Journal Description
International Journal of Financial Studies
International Journal of Financial Studies
is an international, peer-reviewed, scholarly open access journal on financial market, instruments, policy, and management research published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), EconLit, EconBiz, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Finance)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 8.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.3 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.1 (2022)
Latest Articles
How Audit Fees Impact Earnings Management in Service Companies on the Amman Stock Exchange through Audit Committee Characteristics
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020032 - 26 Mar 2024
Abstract
The primary objective of this research was to investigate the potential moderating role of audit fees in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and earnings management. Specifically, this study aimed to establish connections between audit committee features, such as committee size, member independence,
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The primary objective of this research was to investigate the potential moderating role of audit fees in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and earnings management. Specifically, this study aimed to establish connections between audit committee features, such as committee size, member independence, and financial expertise, and the practice of earnings management. To address these research questions, a convenient sample of 46 service providers listed on the Amman Stock Exchange between 2016 and the subsequent year was employed. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to characterize the variables under investigation, while a multiple regression model was utilized to assess the study’s hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant correlation between the size of the audit committee and earnings management. However, a negative correlation was observed between the audit committee’s independence and the financial expertise of its members. Importantly, when audit fees were introduced as a moderating variable, the relationships between committee member independence and earnings management, as well as between committee member financial expertise and earnings management, were found to be weakened. These results have potential implications for policymakers and regulators in Jordan. They may offer valuable insights into corporate governance reforms that could assist Jordanian businesses in enhancing their earnings management practices.
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Open AccessArticle
A Stochastically Correlated Bivariate Square-Root Model
by
Allan Jonathan da Silva, Jack Baczynski and José Valentim Machado Vicente
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020031 - 25 Mar 2024
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We introduce a novel stochastically correlated two-factor (i.e., bivariate) diffusion process under the square-root format, for which we analytically obtain the corresponding solutions for the conditional moment-generating functions and conditional characteristic functions. Such solutions recover verbatim those of the uncorrelated case which encompasses
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We introduce a novel stochastically correlated two-factor (i.e., bivariate) diffusion process under the square-root format, for which we analytically obtain the corresponding solutions for the conditional moment-generating functions and conditional characteristic functions. Such solutions recover verbatim those of the uncorrelated case which encompasses a range of processes similar to those produced by a bivariate square-root process in which entries are correlated in the standard way, that is, via a constant correlation coefficient. Note that closed-form solutions for the conditional characteristic and moment-generating functions are not available for the latter. We focus on the financial scenario of obtaining closed-form expressions for the exact price of a zero-coupon bond and Asian option prices using a Fourier cosine series method.
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Open AccessArticle
Examining the Effects of the Pandemic on Entrepreneurial Activities among Urban Single Mothers: An Exploratory Study
by
Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim, Norzarina Md Yatim and Salmi Md Zahid
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020030 - 22 Mar 2024
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This study was conducted in Malaysia to examine the effectiveness of the microfinance programme for urban single mother entrepreneurs in MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO). Implemented as a response to the pandemic, the MCO significantly disrupted businesses, particularly
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This study was conducted in Malaysia to examine the effectiveness of the microfinance programme for urban single mother entrepreneurs in MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO). Implemented as a response to the pandemic, the MCO significantly disrupted businesses, particularly MSMEs. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between empowerment factors (economic, social, digital, and psychological) and governance aspects concerning the effectiveness of microfinance programmes. Using a positivist paradigm and employing quantitative methods through online questionnaire distribution, this research established a framework based on empowerment theory. The findings underscore the importance of economic empowerment, digital empowerment, and governance aspects for microfinance programme success, and provide empirical backing for suitable mitigation strategies for MSME entrepreneurs. The study emphasises the importance of supporting single mother entrepreneurs through various developmental activities, technical and vocational training, and comprehensive financial and non-financial aid initiatives. It stresses the critical role of women, particularly single mothers, in propelling societal and economic advancement, and advocating for their empowerment through targeted interventions. Overall, the findings enhance understanding of the challenges MSMEs face during crises, and offer insights for policymakers and microfinance agencies to strengthen support for single mother entrepreneurs in navigating future challenges and fostering economic resilience and development.
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Open AccessArticle
Unraveling the Dynamics of Intellectual Capital, Firm Performance, and the Influential Moderators—BIG4 Auditors and Group Affiliation
by
Swati Mohapatra and Jamini Kanta Pattanayak
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010029 - 20 Mar 2024
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The importance of intellectual capital (IC) in past decades unfolds several dimensions of firm performance (FP). Still, the contradictory and inconclusive relationship between IC and FP in the literature motivates the researchers to explore further and understand the empirical connection using both linear
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The importance of intellectual capital (IC) in past decades unfolds several dimensions of firm performance (FP). Still, the contradictory and inconclusive relationship between IC and FP in the literature motivates the researchers to explore further and understand the empirical connection using both linear and curvilinear approaches. Using the fixed-effect panel regression models on a sample of 795 non-financial firms of India from the financial years 2004–2005 to 2020–2021, this study reveals that, undoubtedly, the IC enhances the FP up to a certain threshold, and with any marginal investment, IC reduces the FP by forming the inverted U-shaped curve. Interestingly, the presence of BIG4 auditors in Indian firms helps to increase the FP with the help of IC, even for the group-affiliated firms. Thus, this study aligns with both value creation and cost concern perspectives and implies that management and regulatory bodies may adopt a balanced approach while enhancing the FP through IC, as the result suggests that investment in IC will not endlessly improve the FP in the Indian context.
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Open AccessArticle
Revisiting the Quiet-Life Hypothesis in the Banking Sector: Do CEOs’ Personalities Matter?
by
Tu D. Q. Le, Dat T. Nguyen and Thanh Ngo
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010028 - 20 Mar 2024
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This study investigates the relationship between market power and bank profitability, and the impacts of CEOs’ personality traits, in Vietnam from 2007 to 2020. The analysis of CEOs’ signatures is used to determine their characteristics. The findings support the quiet-life hypothesis, which suggests
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This study investigates the relationship between market power and bank profitability, and the impacts of CEOs’ personality traits, in Vietnam from 2007 to 2020. The analysis of CEOs’ signatures is used to determine their characteristics. The findings support the quiet-life hypothesis, which suggests that the negative relationship between market power and bank profitability may depend on CEOs’ characteristics. More specifically, the results show that conscientious CEOs with market power tend to reduce bank profitability, and this effect is more pronounced for foreign-owned banks. Therefore, our findings have critical implications for bank management.
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Open AccessArticle
Venture Capital and Dividend Policy
by
Yi Tan, Xiaoli Wang and Xiaoyu Fu
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010027 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we empirically examine the impact of venture capital investment on the dividend policy of the invested companies using a sample of list companies from China’s ChiNext market during the period 2014 to 2019. Our empirical results show that different types
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In this paper, we empirically examine the impact of venture capital investment on the dividend policy of the invested companies using a sample of list companies from China’s ChiNext market during the period 2014 to 2019. Our empirical results show that different types of VC investments have different impacts on the dividend policies of the invested companies. To be specific, we found independent venture capital companies (IVCs) promote the company’s dividend payment and increase the level of dividend payments while corporate venture capital (CVC) inhibits the company’s dividend payment. The joint participation of multiple types of venture capital investment (syndication) also increases the company’s dividend distribution. Our main contributions are two-fold. First, we provide a comprehensive analysis in the field of VC and dividend policy; second, we differentiate VC from the perspective of investment objectives and examine its different impacts on the dividend policies of the invested companies.
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Open AccessArticle
Dynamic Capital Structure Adjustment: An Integrated Analysis of Firm-Specific and Macroeconomic Factors in Korean Firms
by
SungSup Brian Choi, Kudzai Sauka and MiYoung Lee
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010026 - 12 Mar 2024
Abstract
This research investigates the factors influencing the capital structure of 271 non-financial firms listed on the Korean Stock Exchange (KSE) over a broad period from 1995 to 2021, encompassing both stable and crisis conditions. Employing a dynamic panel data model and the generalized
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This research investigates the factors influencing the capital structure of 271 non-financial firms listed on the Korean Stock Exchange (KSE) over a broad period from 1995 to 2021, encompassing both stable and crisis conditions. Employing a dynamic panel data model and the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation, we address the endogeneity issue introduced by the inclusion of lagged dependent variables. Our research integrates firm-specific internal factors with macroeconomic external variables to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of varying economic environments on capital structure. Our study suggests that in times of economic stability, the capital structure decisions of a firm are more influenced by internal factors such as profitability. However, in periods of economic downturns, it is the external macroeconomic market conditions that tend to have a greater impact on these decisions. It is also noteworthy that both book leverage (BL) and market leverage (ML) exhibit quicker adjustments during stable periods as opposed to periods of crisis. This indicates a higher agility of firms in adapting their capital structures in stable, normal conditions. Our findings contribute to the existing literature by offering a holistic view of capital structure determinants in Korean firms. They underscore the necessity of adaptable financial strategies that account for both internal dynamics and external economic conditions. This study fills a gap in current research, presenting new insights into the dynamics of capital structure in Korean firms and suggesting a multifaceted approach to understanding capital structure in diverse economic contexts.
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Open AccessArticle
Quantifying Impact, Uncovering Trends: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Shadow Banking and Financial Contagion Dynamics
by
Ionuț Nica, Camelia Delcea, Nora Chiriță and Ștefan Ionescu
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010025 - 05 Mar 2024
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This study describes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of shadow banking and financial contagion dynamics from 1996 to 2022. Through a holistic approach, our study focuses on quantifying the impact and uncovering significant trends in scientific research related to these interconnected fields. Using advanced
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This study describes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of shadow banking and financial contagion dynamics from 1996 to 2022. Through a holistic approach, our study focuses on quantifying the impact and uncovering significant trends in scientific research related to these interconnected fields. Using advanced bibliometric methods, we explored the global network of publications, identifying key works, influential authors, and the evolution of research over time. The results of the bibliometric analysis have highlighted an annual growth rate of 22.05% in publications related to the topics of shadow banking and financial contagion, illustrating researchers’ interest and the dynamic nature of publications over time. Additionally, significant increases in scientific production have been recorded in recent years, reaching a total of 178 articles published in 2022. The most predominant keywords used in research include “systemic risks”, “risk assessment”, and “measuring systemic risk”. The thematic evolution has revealed that over time, the focus on fundamental concepts used in analyzing these two topics has shifted, considering technological advancements and disruptive events that have impacted the economic and financial system. Our findings provide a detailed insight into the progress, gaps, and future directions in understanding the complex interplay of shadow banking and financial contagion. Our study represents a valuable asset for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with a keen interest in understanding the dynamics of these critical components within the global financial system.
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Open AccessArticle
Decision Rules for Corporate Investment
by
Reinier de Adelhart Toorop, Dirk Schoenmaker and Willem Schramade
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010024 - 04 Mar 2024
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We investigate the decision rules for corporate investment by designing a company value frontier. This company value frontier allows for balancing the financial value and social and environmental impacts. This article develops novel value concepts—ranging from shareholder value to shareholder welfare and integrated
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We investigate the decision rules for corporate investment by designing a company value frontier. This company value frontier allows for balancing the financial value and social and environmental impacts. This article develops novel value concepts—ranging from shareholder value to shareholder welfare and integrated value—resulting in varying preferences for social and environmental impacts or values. Next, these preferences are incorporated in investment decision rules. The traditional net present value (NPV) rule optimises only the financial value. We propose a new integrated present value (IPV) decision rule that includes a preference for social and environmental values without neglecting the financial value. By applying the new IPV rule, responsible companies are able to achieve more sustainable outcomes.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Predicting Healthcare Mutual Fund Performance Using Deep Learning and Linear Regression
by
Anuwat Boonprasope and Korrakot Yaibuathet Tippayawong
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010023 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector has emerged as a resilient and profitable domain amidst market fluctuations. Consequently, investing in healthcare securities, particularly through mutual funds, has gained traction. Existing research on predicting future prices of healthcare securities has been predominantly reliant
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Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector has emerged as a resilient and profitable domain amidst market fluctuations. Consequently, investing in healthcare securities, particularly through mutual funds, has gained traction. Existing research on predicting future prices of healthcare securities has been predominantly reliant on historical trading data, limiting predictive accuracy and scope. This study aims to overcome these constraints by integrating a diverse set of twelve external factors spanning economic, industrial, and company-specific domains to enhance predictive models. Employing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) techniques, the study evaluates the effectiveness of this multifaceted approach. Results indicate that incorporating various influencing factors beyond historical data significantly improves price prediction accuracy. Moreover, the utilization of LSTM alongside this comprehensive dataset yields comparable predictive outcomes to those obtained solely from historical data. Thus, this study highlights the potential of leveraging diverse external factors for more robust forecasting of mutual fund prices within the healthcare sector.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence Applications in Financial Technology)
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Revisiting the Effect of Dividend Policy on Firm Performance and Value: Empirical Evidence from the Korean Market
by
Okechukwu Enyeribe Njoku and Younghwan Lee
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010022 - 28 Feb 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between dividend policy, firm performance, and value within the Korean market, taking into account the unique context of Chaebol ownership structures. Utilizing a robust dataset of 5478 observations from the Korean Composite Stock Price Index, our empirical analysis
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This study investigates the relationship between dividend policy, firm performance, and value within the Korean market, taking into account the unique context of Chaebol ownership structures. Utilizing a robust dataset of 5478 observations from the Korean Composite Stock Price Index, our empirical analysis employs advanced regression models, revealing distinctive effects of various dividend policy measures through the lenses of interest alignment and managerial entrenchment hypotheses. Surprisingly, while cash dividend payments exhibit a robust positive impact on Tobin’s Q and market-to-book ratios, suggesting an overall positive link with market valuations, a closer inspection reveals divergent impacts for Chaebol and non-Chaebol firms. In Chaebol entities, dividend policy proxies consistently demonstrate positive effects on performance metrics, aligning with the interest alignment hypothesis and highlighting strategic signaling efforts. Conversely, non-Chaebol firms exhibit intriguingly negative impacts, supporting the managerial entrenchment hypothesis and implying potential challenges to market value. Firms should prioritize transparent communication on dividend policies for improved investor decision making and enhanced corporate governance in the dynamic Korean market.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance)
Open AccessArticle
The Use of Economic Indicators as Early Signals of Stock Market Progress: Perspectives from Market Potential Index
by
Tarek Eldomiaty, Islam Azzam, Mostafa Fouad and Yasmeen Said
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010021 - 26 Feb 2024
Abstract
The progress of financial markets depends on the way world investors foresee the market potential of the country of choice. Countries that are associated with favorable economic incentives are able to motivate investments in their respective stock markets. The objective of this paper
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The progress of financial markets depends on the way world investors foresee the market potential of the country of choice. Countries that are associated with favorable economic incentives are able to motivate investments in their respective stock markets. The objective of this paper is to examine the role of the many economic components which constitute the Market Potential Index in enhancing stock market progress. The methodology goes through testing and estimation. The tests include linearity versus nonlinearity (RESET), normality, and cointegration. The estimation includes cointegration regression and discriminant analysis to distinguish between high and low stock market progress. This study examines unbalanced panel data that covers the years 1996–2022 for 54 countries where a stock market exists. The results show the following: (a) increases in people’s expenditure result in decreases in consumption of investment in financial securities; (b) the investments in infrastructure technology is positively associated with stock market progress; (c) the positive effect of economic freedom indicates that further adaptive trading regulations are beneficial to stock market progress; (d) increases in imports consume large proportions of people’s income, coming at the expense of investment in financial securities; (e) stock markets that are associated with high country risk are characterized by a positive risk–return tradeoff, i.e., a high risk premium; (f) the stock markets listed in the MPI can reach high progress by improving three indicators, namely commercial infrastructure, market receptivity, and country risk. This paper offers a thorough and unique examination of the institutional arrangements and stock market progress. The paper offers a guide to policy makers about how economic institutional arrangements can be promoted in order to reach high stock market progress.
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Assessing Energy Mutual Funds: Performance, Risks, and Managerial Skills
by
Davinder Malhotra and Srinivas Nippani
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010020 - 26 Feb 2024
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This study investigates the risk-adjusted performance of energy equity mutual funds across a 23-year period, employing the Cumulative Wealth Index (CWI) to gauge their long-term performance relative to benchmark indices. Despite inherent volatility due to the energy sector’s cyclical nature, these funds consistently
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This study investigates the risk-adjusted performance of energy equity mutual funds across a 23-year period, employing the Cumulative Wealth Index (CWI) to gauge their long-term performance relative to benchmark indices. Despite inherent volatility due to the energy sector’s cyclical nature, these funds consistently outperformed benchmarks based on monthly returns, showcasing resilience amid market fluctuations. However, challenges emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with notable improvements post-vaccination. Utilizing a multi-factor model, the research highlights the interconnectivity of energy equity mutual funds with broader market movements and systemic factors. Despite their primary focus on the energy sector, these funds exhibit sensitivity to larger market trends, rendering them susceptible to market dynamics. Additionally, an assessment of portfolio manager expertise reveals some proficiency in security selection post-vaccinations against COVID-19.
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Open AccessArticle
Synthetic Central Bank Digital Currencies and Systemic Liquidity Risks
by
John E. Marthinsen and Steven R. Gordon
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010019 - 18 Feb 2024
Abstract
The failure of major banks in 2023, such as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank, First Republic Bank, and Credit Suisse, points to the continuing need for financial institutions to price liquidity risk properly and for financial systems to find alternative sources of
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The failure of major banks in 2023, such as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank, First Republic Bank, and Credit Suisse, points to the continuing need for financial institutions to price liquidity risk properly and for financial systems to find alternative sources of liquidity in times of dire need. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), fiat-backed stablecoins (fsCOINs), and synthetic central bank digital currencies (sCBDCs) could offer improvements, but each comes with its own set of problems and conditions. Prior research reaches conflicting conclusions about the effect that each of these three financial assets has on systemic bank liquidity and fails to adequately address their net benefits relative to each other. This paper addresses these issues, including those connected to financial disintermediation, bank runs, outsourcing central bank activities, financial interoperability, cash equivalents, maturity transformation, required reserves, and changes in nations’ monetary bases. After addressing the strengths and weaknesses of fsCOINs and CBDCs, we conclude that sCBDCs provide the most significant net liquidity benefits when risks and returns are considered.
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Impacts of Investor Attention and Accounting Information Comparability on Stock Returns: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
by
Li Zhao, Nathee Naktnasukanjn, Ahmad Yahya Dawod and Bin Zhang
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010018 - 14 Feb 2024
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The efficient capital markets hypothesis (EMH) posits that security prices incorporate all available information in capital markets. Nevertheless, real stock markets often exhibit speculative behavior due to information asymmetry and the limited rationality of investors. This paper employs statistical analysis, a multiple regression
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The efficient capital markets hypothesis (EMH) posits that security prices incorporate all available information in capital markets. Nevertheless, real stock markets often exhibit speculative behavior due to information asymmetry and the limited rationality of investors. This paper employs statistical analysis, a multiple regression approach, and robustness tests to investigate the impact of investor attention and accounting information comparability on stock returns. We collected monthly data from all Chinese A-share stocks listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange for the period 2017–2021. Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between current investor attention and current monthly stock returns and a significant negative correlation between lagged investor attention and current monthly stock returns. Moreover, accounting information comparability serves as a substantial moderator, amplifying the positive effect of current investor attention on current stock returns and mitigating the negative impact of lagged investor attention. We investigate the indicator of accounting information comparability from the perspective of investor attention. Significantly, we use accounting information comparability as a moderating variable for the first time to assess its influence on stock returns. Our results demonstrate that accounting information comparability significantly contributes to mitigating excessive share price declines and stimulating share price increases. This discovery also acts as an internal driver for listed companies to proactively improve accounting information comparability.
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Open AccessArticle
Board Expertise Background and Firm Performance
by
Chiou-Yann Lee, Chun-Ru Wen and Binh Thi-Thanh-Nguyen
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010017 - 14 Feb 2024
Abstract
This study presents a novel financial performance forecasting method that combines the threshold technique with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). It applies the threshold regression method to identify the factors within the board of directors that influence the financial performance of traditional industries in
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This study presents a novel financial performance forecasting method that combines the threshold technique with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). It applies the threshold regression method to identify the factors within the board of directors that influence the financial performance of traditional industries in Taiwan. The findings indicate that the ANN method effectively predicts financial performance by using relevant board structure data. Furthermore, the empirical results suggest that boards with more members demonstrate increased profitability. Additionally, a more significant presence of board members with accounting expertise contributes to more consistent profits. In contrast, an increased presence of members with financial expertise has a more pronounced impact on profitability.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence Applications in Financial Technology)
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Exploring the Dynamics of Profitability–Liquidity Relations in Crisis, Pre-Crisis and Post-Crisis
by
Piotr Ratajczak, Dawid Szutowski and Jarosław Nowicki
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010016 - 10 Feb 2024
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The aim of this study is to verify the stability of the profitability–liquidity relationship over time, as well as to determine this relationship in terms of its level and structure. In this context, three main research questions were formulated. First, is the profitability–liquidity
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The aim of this study is to verify the stability of the profitability–liquidity relationship over time, as well as to determine this relationship in terms of its level and structure. In this context, three main research questions were formulated. First, is the profitability–liquidity relationship stable in times of crisis? Second, what is the profitability of companies with high and low liquidity? Third, what is the liquidity of companies with high and low profitability? This study uses a self-organizing map (SOM), a data visualization technique that is a type of artificial neural network trained in an unsupervised manner. A dataset covering the period from 2019 to 2021, consisting of 300 Polish companies from the wholesale and retail sectors, was used. The main results of this study indicate that: (1) companies with a balanced profitability–liquidity relationship in the pre-crisis period (2019) maintained this relationship in the crisis (2020) and post-crisis periods (2021); (2) companies in the clusters with the relatively highest and lowest profitability have the relatively lowest and moderate liquidity both before and after the crisis period; (3) the majority of companies during non-crisis periods demonstrate that profitability is not reliant on liquidity, suggesting an absence of a clear relationship; (4) in the post-crisis period, companies with the relatively lowest operating cash flow margin (OCFM) exhibited the relatively highest net profit margin (NPM) and other profitability ratios, as opposed to the pre-crisis and crisis periods. This study fills the gap resulting from the incomplete—most of all static—understanding of the relationship between profitability and liquidity. Moreover, this study employs a self-organizing map (SOM) which has not been used in the literature regarding the research area undertaken.
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Open AccessArticle
Velocity of Money and Productivity Growth: Explaining the 2% Inflation Target in the U.S. (1959–2007)
by
Christophe Faugere
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010015 - 08 Feb 2024
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This article provides a macro-foundation for why the specific value of 2% is a valid inflation target. The approach postulates that innovations generate transactional cost savings by comparison to barter. The optimal velocity of money is derived as a function of productivity growth
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This article provides a macro-foundation for why the specific value of 2% is a valid inflation target. The approach postulates that innovations generate transactional cost savings by comparison to barter. The optimal velocity of money is derived as a function of productivity growth and of long-term and short-term interest rates, with coefficients reflecting the leverage ratio of depository institutions and the degree of bias in technical progress in the transaction technology. The model is tested for the U.S. (for aggregates M1, M1RS, and M1S) over the period 1959–2007. Setting the inflation target rate equal to the growth rate of velocity leads to an inflation rate near 2% and is akin to pursuing the Friedman k-% rule. This rule provides flexibility to prevent deflation. A long-term Taylor-type rule is derived. A robustness test is also conducted by extending the sample period up to 2023, covering sustained episodes of unconventional U.S. monetary policy.
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of the COVID-19 Market Turmoil on Investor Behavior: A Panel VAR Study of Bank Stocks in Borsa Istanbul
by
Cumhur Ekinci and Oğuz Ersan
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010014 - 04 Feb 2024
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Assuming that investors can be foreign or local, do high-frequency trading (HFT) or not, and submit orders through a bank-owned or non-bank-owned broker, we associated trades to various investors. Then, building a panel vector autoregressive model, we analyzed the dynamic relation of these
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Assuming that investors can be foreign or local, do high-frequency trading (HFT) or not, and submit orders through a bank-owned or non-bank-owned broker, we associated trades to various investors. Then, building a panel vector autoregressive model, we analyzed the dynamic relation of these investors with returns and among each other before and during the COVID-19 market crash. Results show that investor groups have influence on each other. Their net purchases also interact with returns. Moreover, during the turmoil caused by the pandemic, except foreign investors not involved in HFT, the response of any investor group (retail/institutional, domestic investors doing HFT and those not doing HFT, and foreign investors doing HFT) significantly altered. This shows that the interrelation among investor groups is dynamic and sensitive to market conditions.
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Open AccessArticle
Board Structure, CEO Equity-Based Compensation, and Financial Performance: Evidence from MENA Countries
by
Abdullah A. Aljughaiman, Abdulateif A. Almulhim and Abdulaziz S. Al Naim
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12010013 - 31 Jan 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the association between board of director (BOD) structures and CEO equity-based compensation (long-term incentive) for commercial banks (conventional and Islamic banks) in MENA countries. Specifically, we take board size and board independence to measure the board structure. Furthermore, we investigate
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This paper investigates the association between board of director (BOD) structures and CEO equity-based compensation (long-term incentive) for commercial banks (conventional and Islamic banks) in MENA countries. Specifically, we take board size and board independence to measure the board structure. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of board structure on the association between CEO equity-based compensation and financial performance. Moreover, we compare conventional and Islamic banks in testing these relationships. Using a sample of 65 banks in MENA countries for the period between 2009 and 2020, we show a significant positive association between board size and CEO compensation. However, we find the same association between these variables for IBs, but the effect of board size on CEO compensation is less. We also show that board independence is negatively correlated with CEO compensation. Nevertheless, the relationship between board independence and CEO ownership is positive for IBs. For the moderating test, we find that effective board structure provides more incentives to the CEO, leading them to achieve higher financial performance. The Islamic bank’s business model (based on Shari’ah principles) contributes to the different influences of board structure on CEO compensation. Our results provide the insight that a strong and effective board is important for managing the executive’s compensation system. The findings of this study have implications for financial firms, policymakers, and regulators. Specifically, the study may help in understanding the benefits of different compensation structures relative to different types of financial firms.
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Making Green from Green: The Truth about Sustainable Finance
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Special Issue in
IJFS
Impacts of Climate Change Risk on Accounting, Auditing and Governance
Guest Editors: Abdelwahed Omri, Zied FtitiDeadline: 30 June 2024
Special Issue in
IJFS
Green Bonds and Climate Change Mitigation
Guest Editor: Andrea UgoliniDeadline: 7 July 2024
Special Issue in
IJFS
Cross-Cultural Corporate Governance, Firm Performance and Firm Value
Guest Editor: Brian BoltonDeadline: 31 July 2024