Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

nTIDE December 2022 Jobs Report: Hot job market continues for people with disabilities despite efforts to cool the economy

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in November to 37.0% in December, up 1.4%, while it remained unchanged at 74.4% for those without disabilities. This surge continues the gains of the last four months and highlights the ongoing strength of people with disabilities in the job market.

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Scientists decode 450 years of boom and crisis in Europe from ages of building timber

Researchers analyzed 54,045 georeferenced pieces of building timber to track changes in building activity across Europe from 1250 to 1699. They found clear evidence for the Late Medieval Crisis, the Thirty Years' War, and economic boom periods, with building activity tracking historical price of grain and lead pollution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Parental income has long-term consequences for children’s health

A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

How grocery shoppers spend differently during times of personal and macro economic change

A new study analyzes how micro (income) and macro (business cycle) conditions influence grocery shopping behavior, finding that households adjust their spending without changing budget constraints. Micro conditions primarily affect basket value, while macro conditions impact both basket value and allocation to store formats.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 23, 2021

Benefits of renting a home may be underrated

A new study by University of Stirling researcher Dr Isaac Tabner suggests that households should carefully consider the costs of renting versus buying a home. The research highlights that even during favorable economic conditions, households may need to own their home for several years before buying becomes financially more advantageous.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·DateJan 12, 2017