Articles tagged with Finance
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that Moody's new rating policy led companies to borrow an average 22% more, increasing their investments despite no change in financial health. The shift from counting preferred stock as debt to equity reduced a company's perceived risk and improved its credit rating.
Participation in mandatory value-based payment programs is associated with higher hospital administrative costs, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider administrative burden when designing and evaluating payment reforms. The study suggests that these reforms may increase complexity without improving cost, quality, and access.
New research finds that investment opportunities, financial constraints, and operating profiles are key drivers of company tax rates. Factors such as CEO management styles also play a significant role in determining effective tax rates.
The 11th HKU Quarterly Forum explored China's economic growth, highlighting the need for technology to support traditional industries. Keynote speakers discussed the role of technology in overcoming K-shaped divergence, globalization, and global financial markets.
A comprehensive study found that Islamic bonds in Malaysia expanded the investor base, increasing businesses' access to financing and driving economic growth. The study challenged the assumption that introducing a new product divides an existing market, instead showing that it broadened the total amount of capital available.
Researchers developed a novel AI framework that optimizes investment decisions directly while accounting for risk. The study found that conventional forecasting-based approaches were outperformed by the decision-focused model in terms of risk-adjusted performance and wealth accumulation.
A new study from the University of Surrey discovered that simply explaining how customer money is spent can make them more willing to pay higher prices. The research found that customers are often more willing to pay when they understand the value behind a service, such as expert staff or quality ingredients.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new approach to stress testing, which simulates multiple financial risks simultaneously to predict bank resilience. This method outperformed existing stress tests in identifying worst-case losses and captured more severe losses.
A case-control study found that individuals with delinquent mortgage payments, repossessions, late credit card payments, and lower credit scores had a significantly increased risk of suicide. The study's findings suggest that financial stressors play a critical role in the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A new study reveals that green cryptocurrencies are better at transmitting volatility compared to traditional green assets, offering limited hedging effectiveness. Portfolio analysis shows that Cardano and Stellar are key drivers of volatility, while green bonds and ESG investments absorb disturbances.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that foreign investment drove up US housing costs, outpacing supply growth. Cities with lax regulations on foreign investors saw prices rise more quickly than in areas with stricter controls.
Research found that companies with more independent board members adjust CEO compensation more quickly towards optimal levels. Boards make calculated trade-offs and consider costs and benefits before changing pay structures.
Researchers found that analysts from countries with a strong emphasis on long-term planning are better at predicting long-term earnings and making more profitable stock picks. These analysts also prompted managers to disclose more long-term information during earnings calls, providing a valuable perspective for investors.
Researchers developed a personalized risk prediction model to identify cancer patients who may struggle with treatment costs, medical debt, and anxiety. The model uses patient information to estimate the likelihood of financial toxicity, balancing detection sensitivity with minimizing false alarms.
The convergence of traditional and decentralized finance is breaking down barriers to financial access worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. Tokenisation is enabling essential infrastructure, including cryptocurrency payments and investment opportunities previously exclusive to the ultra-wealthy.
Global wildfire activity in 2025 resulted in destructive and deadly fire events, with 335 million hectares burned globally - 16% below the long-term average. The fires accounted for 38% of all insured natural hazard losses, with Canada experiencing its third consecutive year of extreme fire activity.
A new study shows AI can generate hundreds of convincing finance research papers efficiently, but also raises concerns about the potential impact on academic community and meaning of scientific discovery. The study demonstrates how AI can accelerate research paper production while highlighting areas for improvement in peer-review systems.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin found that pandemic loan fraud explained 22.5% of average housing price increases in 2020-2021. This type of fraud hurt individuals who bought houses at inflated prices, and had secondary effects on auto title registrations and other economic indicators.
Researchers developed a neural network approach that learns to clean co-movement patterns in markets before building portfolios. The method achieved lower volatility and higher Sharpe ratios compared to traditional methods.
Researchers found that portfolios considering company headquarter location and housing market trends can produce returns three times higher than those focused on growth stocks. This is because companies in more expensive areas have higher labor and infrastructure costs, reducing investor returns.
Heriot-Watt University is collaborating with Falkirk FC on a £200k Knowledge Transfer Partnership to enhance the club's financial sustainability and ownership structure. The project will leverage academic expertise in data analysis, digital engagement, and supporter research to drive growth and long-term success.
A new study reveals that financial and supply network interactions amplify bank shocks' effects on the economy by nearly 50%. Shocks travel both downstream to customers and upstream to suppliers, contributing significantly to aggregate GDP impact.
New research from the University of Surrey found that Brexit-related events significantly increased volatility spillovers between European markets. The analysis shows that large financial markets tend to transmit volatility to smaller ones, with France emerging as the most persistent transmitter of volatility across the EU.
A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.
A study by Penn State researchers found that trade secret policies restrict labor mobility, leading to early-career workers receiving higher starting wages but stunted wage growth later. Firms instead shifted toward greater use of capital, replacing human labor with automation equipment.
A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
A new biography by Dimitry Anastakis explores the life and career of L.R. Red Wilson, a pioneering Canadian business leader who made significant contributions to higher education, business, and public service. The book showcases Mr. Wilson's remarkable journey, including his executive leadership positions and philanthropic efforts.
A study by the University of Vaasa and Aalto University finds that mandatory cybersecurity disclosure in the US has increased internal documentation and made cyber risks more visible to senior management, but not affected investor behavior. Companies produced new content describing their cybersecurity governance structures, suggesting ...
The study found that out-of-state Chicago Abortion Fund callers traveled more than 3 times the distance to Illinois after Dobbs compared to before. These callers were also more likely to have private or no insurance, be from rural areas, and receive hospital-based care during their pregnancy.
A new empirical study found a direct link between climate finance and lower conflict risk in developing countries. Climate finance that alleviates water stress and boosts renewable energy projects contributes to peace and stability, with greater impact at higher levels of funding.
A new study found that cancer types with high lethality receive lower federal research funding, prioritizing these cancers could help direct resources to diseases with greatest potential to reduce suffering. Additionally, certain cancers have a disproportionate impact on underserved populations and quality-of-life burden.
A new AI model helps measure business complexity by breaking it down into 29 categories, including debt, equity, and financial structures. The tool can identify areas of complexity that require closer analysis for investors and provide insights for standard setters and regulators to simplify reporting standards.
Binghamton University has seen significant improvements in its graduate school rankings, with nearly three dozen programs earning national recognition. The university's Systems Science and Industrial Engineering program has been named the #31 Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate program in the US.
The UNU Hub for AI-Finance at East China Normal University's Shanghai AI-Finance School aims to leverage AI to boost sustainable economic development and financial inclusion. The Hub will prioritize innovation-driven research, global talent training, and international policy advocacy to address the Global South's financial challenges.
Between 2021 and 2024, government organizations accounted for around one-tenth of the estimated $336 million spent on advertising to news websites publishing health misinformation. Pharmaceutical companies also made notable contributions.
Hong Kong Climate Week 2026 aims to harness the city's strengths as an international financial centre and global connectivity hub. The event focuses on bridging global consensus and local implementation, highlighting the need for adaptation and innovation in addressing climate change.
A new study reveals that option trading fees are substantially higher than stock trades, creating a conflict of interest for brokers. The complex options market also features structural advantages for dominant firms, leading to higher costs for individual investors.
A study found that overconfident CEOs are 10-15% less likely to delegate responsibilities, especially in complex transactions and when acquiring companies in unfamiliar industries. This suggests that executives who are overly confident may struggle with delegating tasks effectively.
A collaborative team of researchers from Kyoto University analyzed the net-zero transition in Southeast Asia, finding that a flexible grid paradigm allows vertically integrated utilities to accept natural gas as flexible energy. The study also highlights the need for synchronized changes in energy systems and financial systems to achie...
Researchers found that less transparency in bond markets can lead to better economic outcomes, as it imposes discipline on players and makes institutions more selective about bonds they buy. This is in contrast to the 2008 global financial crisis, which was triggered by too much public information and looser credit.
A new study by Binghamton University School of Management reveals that businesses can improve their performance when they openly discuss and address cybersecurity issues. The research found a positive correlation between cybersecurity readiness and firm performance, suggesting that proactive measures can lead to better outcomes.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that increased bank competition can result in higher interest rates for borrowers. With more banks competing for loans, each additional bank is associated with a 7 basis point increase in interest rates. This is due to the 'winner's curse' effect, where lenders become risk-averse ...
A new study finds that ESG rating providers play a crucial role in building and repairing trust in sustainable finance. By comparing EU and UK regulatory approaches, researchers show that 'enhanced self-regulation' combining public oversight with industry-led rules can support a credible market-led green transition.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame examines the prevalence, determinants and consequences of cheap stock options. The research found that firms granting more options, having larger public offerings and venture capital backing tend to have greater gaps between IPO prices and exercise prices.
Researchers found that intraday high-frequency sentiment, especially from non-trading periods, can capture nuanced market dynamics and improve daily return forecasts. This study demonstrates the potential of using online forum data to enhance stock return predictions in a highly sentiment-driven market.
Researchers use RHOSTS method to construct dynamic networks capturing risk co-movement among 24 Chinese stock sectors from 2007-2024. This approach reveals how multi-sector co-movements can accelerate contagion and create hidden vulnerabilities.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that new CEOs should balance swift strategic action with caution to avoid analyst scrutiny. Analysts generally prefer a moderate pace, with longer delays seen as a risk, especially in turbulent situations.
A partnership between University of Copenhagen and Danish Technical University aims to improve Europe's resilience and competitiveness by boosting innovation. The initiative seeks to develop the innovation ecosystem, drive urban development, and attract talent, companies, and investors.
A recent study by researchers from Waseda University and Zhejiang University found that inward foreign direct investment has distinct nonlinear, spillover, and contingent effects on new venture creation. The study analyzed China's enterprise credit information data between 2013 and 2023 and demonstrated robust support for its hypotheses.
A new study warns that the U.S. government's fiscal capacity depends on the dominance of the U.S. dollar, and potential losses for bondholders could be significant if another currency replaces it. Historically, countries with a strong currency have experienced economic downturns when their dominance wanes.
This study reveals synthetic asset-backed stablecoins as strong hedges for 21 of 30 international stock indices, while fiat-backed stablecoins show limited risk-mitigation capabilities. The findings underscore the importance of understanding stablecoin design and its impact on financial resilience.
A new digital and legally binding fingerprint developed at the University of Copenhagen makes products impossible to counterfeit. Royal Copenhagen is among the first brands in the world to use this solution, resulting in immediate transparency across their distribution chain.
A study conducted at the University of Oulu found that senior corporate executives are more likely to commit financial crimes if their parents have previously been charged and convicted. The researchers analyzed nearly 76,000 CEOs and board members and found a strong association between parental convictions and executive misconduct.
The journal is seeking original research on sustainable finance, including ESG considerations and climate risk, to capture recent advances in the field. Contributions will inform professional practice and policy development at both national and international levels.
Researchers found that over half of IVF cycles in the US were performed at clinics affiliated with private equity firms, sparking concerns about the impact on quality and accessibility. The study's authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the benefits and risks of this business model.
The suspension of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases. Companies that had been subject to investigations or sanctions under the FCPA collectively gained around $39 billion, with individual companies recording increases in market capitalization of billions of dollars.
Ending federal support for housing first programs will lead to a significant increase in US homelessness, projecting a 5% rise within a year. This trend is part of an already increasing homeless population, resulting from the cessation of discretionary federal funding.
A study found that hospitals sold to REITs were more than five times as likely to close or file for bankruptcy compared to similar hospitals. The researchers analyzed nearly 20 years of data and found no immediate improvements in finances or quality, but long-term harms, including increased risk of closure or bankruptcy.
A new study finds that China's Climate Policy Uncertainty (CPU) amplifies risk contribution volatility in Energy and Materials sectors during moderate market declines, but reduces it in Consumer Staples and Finance. However, during extreme market crashes, CPU increases risk volatility across all sectors except Healthcare.