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Giving video games this Christmas? New research underlines need to be aware of loot box risks

A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Powerful financial giants could play vital role in preventing the next pandemic

A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Are retrospective adjustments to sustainability reports helping CEOs score a bonus?

New research found that companies are altering their sustainability reports to improve their environmental and social performance metrics, which are tied to CEO bonuses. Only 15% of revisions were reported as due to error, while 69% were attributed to changes in measurement, suggesting manipulation may be occurring.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Management Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 23, 2023

SEC insider trading rule has loopholes

A recent study by University of Texas at Austin professor Robert Parrino found that the SEC's Rule 10b5-1 has limited effectiveness in limiting insider trading. Despite being widely used, the rule allows CEOs to game the system by canceling trades or using limit orders within the plan.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Financial sector risks can hinder transition to green economy

Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateOct 9, 2023

Post Office Scandal victims suffering from significant PTSD and depression, study shows

Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

Precarious employment conditions can increase risk of early death

A Swedish study found that precarious employment conditions increase the risk of early death, with workers who shifted to standard employment experiencing a 20% lower risk of mortality. The study used registry data from over 250,000 workers and found that job security is crucial in reducing premature deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2023

Investors want better climate risk disclosure

A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that institutional investors demand disclosure of climate risk due to its impact on a company's health and performance. The survey of 439 institutional investors showed that mandatory disclosure has an effect on investors' decisions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

The good advice that could lift people out of poverty

A University of East Anglia study finds that providing access to housing, debt, and benefit advice within food banks can help lift people out of poverty. The 'Making a Difference' initiative sees representatives from Citizens Advice and Shelter posted within food bank services, offering personalized support to vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2023

Bridging traditional economics and econophysics

Researchers from Complexity Science Hub highlight similarities in models used by economists and physicists to analyze financial markets. The study aims to create an overview of these models, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and avoiding research that gets lost in translation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Economic Interaction and Coordination·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2023

CUFE’s researchers examine financial reporting consequences of rigid accounting regulation

A study by Chinese researchers found that financial reports produced during fiscal years mismatched with annual business activity may be less reliable due to rigid accounting regulations. This can result in higher abnormal accruals, lower analyst forecast accuracy, and longer audit reporting delays for affected companies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Allowing financial trading in California’s wholesale electricity market significantly reduced volatility of prices, electricity production costs, carbon emissions

Researchers found that introducing financial trading in California's wholesale electricity market led to reduced volatility in prices, production costs, and carbon emissions. The study also showed improved physical market outcomes, including lower fuel costs and reduced complexity in real-time markets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·DateMay 22, 2023

How government guarantees give banking customers peace of mind and keep banks open

A new study from the University of Missouri found that government guarantees decrease the frequency of 'income smoothing' in financial reports. This practice, where banks delay reporting high income to smooth out volatility, is a form of manipulation that can impact market stability and investor confidence.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Financial Services Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

Millions of U.S. households may struggle to afford basic water services

A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Better social drinkers don’t earn more

A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHealth Economics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2023

Executives ignore SEC legal requirements to warn investors about inflation risk, new research finds

New research finds that most corporations that face significant inflation risk have failed to disclose it, causing $0.9 trillion to $2.8 trillion in shareholder damages. Companies with high exposure to inflation risk have seen their share prices drop following inflation shocks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Monetary Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023