Articles tagged with Market Economics
A recent study by Temple University researchers found that online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon prioritize risk reduction over social aspects of transactions. The authors analyzed buyer data to gauge assessments of online safeguards, finding that economic risk is a significant consideration only in moderately risky markets.
Joshua Gans, a Rotman professor, has received a three-year grant to analyze the economic drivers of scientific contributions and their impact on knowledge sharing. The project aims to provide insights for policy areas such as openness in science and promoting information through digital means.
A University of Bristol study examined motivational indicators in public and private sector workers across 51 countries. It found that public sector workers tend to be more intrinsically motivated, but corruption levels can affect motivation.
A new study identifies three psychological orientations that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood. Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals were more likely to be employed and have higher wages during difficult economic times. The study also found that young workers with...
Researchers found that states of relaxation consistently increase the monetary valuations of products, with relaxed individuals valuing products more highly than their less-relaxed counterparts. This effect applies to a wide range of products, including luxury items and services.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario will investigate whether prion protein is a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease. The team aims to test their hypothesis on the interaction between prion protein and amyloid beta, which could lead to novel therapeutics for both Prion diseases and Alzheimer
Fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico from the US during the 2008 and 2009 recessions than in previous years. The study found declines in return migration among certain groups, such as labor migrants and those with less education, but no rush to return home.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that small companies in the US stock market are often disproportionately affected during international financial crises. Investors tend to flee from smaller stocks and shift their holdings towards larger, safer corporations, resulting in significant losses for smaller companies.
A study analyzing stock market volatility over 50 years reveals the existence of hidden temporal order and high correlations between fear-driven market fluctuations and price variations. This discovery implies that traditional investment strategies should incorporate consideration for the 'volatility of volatility' in portfolio design.
The study shows that small firms can access foreign markets through intermediaries, enabling them to become direct exporters in the future. Intermediate firms facilitate direct export participation by smaller firms, especially in high-trade-cost markets.
Agricultural companies have shown a stable and profitable performance over the past several years, outperforming the S&P 500 index with an 8.6% market value increase from 2007 to 2011. The top-performing sectors were fertilizer, equipment, and seed and genetic companies.
A new study finds that signing one's name can increase engagement among consumers who strongly identify with a product category, leading to more purchases. However, it has the opposite effect on those who don't identify strongly, reducing time spent in stores and fewer shoe tries.
A study published in Psychological Science analyzed test scores from 90 countries, finding a significant correlation between intelligence and economic strength. The researchers discovered that even small increases in cognitive ability among the smartest 5 percent of the population can result in substantial gains in GDP.
A new study of small private firms in 21 emerging market countries found that those with higher quality accounting make better investment decisions. Firms with strong incentives to minimize taxes have poorer financial reporting and less efficient investment decisions.
A new hybrid string blossom thinner prototype has shown promising results in increasing crop value and reducing labor costs in four U.S. growing regions. Trials demonstrated reduced labor costs, increased fruit size distribution, and improved yield, resulting in gross income ranging from $4,267 to $12,288 per acre.
Research by Penn State and University of Gothenburg found that brand named hotels outperformed independent hotels in economic downturns. Branded hotels registered significantly higher net operating income during recessions due to increased occupancy, while independent hotels charged higher room rates due to perceived uniqueness.
Migrant domestic workers face exploitation and social exclusion in Sweden's formal labor market. The report highlights the dual consequences of tax deductions on processes of inclusion and exclusion. Key findings reveal the persistence of informal services despite tax deductions and the vulnerability of undocumented migrant workers.
Researchers found that apes prefer to play it safe when odds are uncertain, mirroring human behavior. They distinguish between risk and ambiguity, with greater hesitation towards unknown outcomes.
A new study of married couples in the US found that those who score well on a simple test of numeracy ability accumulate more wealth by middle age. Couples where both spouses answered three numeracy-related questions correctly averaged $1.7 million in household wealth, compared to $200,000 for those with poor numeracy skills.
Researchers found that Americans aged 55 to 64 have higher rates of chronic diseases than their peers in England, but died at the same rate. In contrast, Americans age 65 and older had a lower death rate than similar people in England due to better medical care.
The study found that stricter limitations on land development lead to higher rental and purchase prices, while people saving for a house in markets with limited land availability need larger down payments and buy houses later in life. The research also suggests that relaxing borrowing constraints increases home ownership rates
Researchers at the University of Missouri found a positive correlation between investor risk tolerance and stock market returns, indicating investors buy stocks at high prices and sell at low prices. Improved financial education is recommended to help Americans overcome biases in investment decisions.
A Vermont study found that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for locally grown, organic apples. The research indicates a 'significant niche market' for local, organic apples in the US, with many consumers purchasing them from supermarkets, farmers' markets, and natural food stores.
Experts warn that biotech companies in emerging economies are making innovative contributions to address health problems. They have brought affordable products to prevent, diagnose and remedy illnesses of local concern, but risk diverting focus from diseases of poverty as they grow in financial strength.
A team of Caltech researchers discovered that consumers assign higher values to goods they can physically interact with. In experiments, subjects bid an average of 50% more for tactile experiences than visual or text-based presentations.
The US hourly workforce is shouldering increased burdens during the economic slowdown, with many workers forced to accept reduced hours or irregular schedules. This lack of job security and predictability can have severe consequences for workers' well-being, including instability in family routines and increased stress.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Rui Yao reveals that urban Chinese households maintain high saving rates and are unwilling to utilize credit. The survey shows that only 11% of Chinese households hold debt, compared to nearly 80% in the US.
A Purdue University researcher has used econophysics to demonstrate that under ideal circumstances, free markets promote fairness in salaries for workers. The study's findings suggest that the collective self-organizing dynamics of a free market economy lead to fairness as an emergent property.
Researchers found that consumers overconfidently predict their learning curve before trying out skill-based products, then become underconfident after gaining experience. This under-prediction has consequences for consumer behavior, such as a willingness to pay less for a product after initial use.
A new study suggests that restricting speculative trading in futures markets could destabilize commodity prices, rather than reduce volatility. The research found that the influx of cash from index traders provided a deep pool of liquidity that held price increases in check.
A new study suggests that the G20 Toronto summit may not lead to significant reforms in financial regulations. The study highlights the challenges of coordinating policies among countries with diverse financial structures, making harmonization a difficult task.
Researchers found that universities cut faculty and staff when endowment investments decline, but not administrators. Universities with larger endowment declines make deeper cuts to non-administrative positions.
A study of 52 famous Last Supper paintings found that portion sizes have increased by 69% for entrées, 66% for plates, and 23% for bread over the past millennium. This trend suggests that art imitates life, reflecting changes in food production, availability, and affordability.
A recent study by Duke University researchers explored the possible relationship between US stock market fluctuations and heart attack rates. The study found an inverse relationship between heart attacks and stock markets, but with limitations due to sample size and regional bias.
The global rush to develop modern financial institutions, including stock markets, has had a negative impact on the economy. In many countries, markets were created without a solid foundation, leading to disastrous outcomes.
Average physician hours per week declined steadily between 1976 and 2008, with notable decreases in resident physicians' hours following the imposition of work-hour limits in 2003. The decline in work hours was associated with lower physician fees, particularly in metropolitan areas.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that major diabetes complications are a significant economic burden on healthcare systems globally. The analysis found that hospital stays for stroke and heart disease were longest in Asia, while those for kidney problems were shortest. The findings provide new evidence on the cost of diabet...
A new study by Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business found that Chinese firms benefiting from the diversity of foreign direct investment (FDI) productivity and competitiveness. The more diverse the national origins of foreign investors in an industry, the higher the productivity of Chinese firms.
A new study found that Canadian health biotech firms collaborating with developing countries have a strong interest in building partnerships, driven by access to emerging markets and cost savings. Joint R&D activities are nearly as common as distribution arrangements, reflecting bi-directional knowledge-intensive collaboration.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that emotions connected with asking for favors can drive individuals to seek simpler transactions in the marketplace. This phenomenon is linked to feelings of perpetual obligation and social indebtedness.
A recent study by researchers found that certain tree and shrub species are more or less attractive to white-tailed deer, resulting in varying levels of damage. By identifying these preferences, growers can take steps to reduce economic losses, such as harvesting products in late fall and early winter.
A new study reveals that Chinese consumers attach political meanings to Western brands and connect them to important moments in Chinese history. Chinese consumers are finding ways to appropriate symbols and goods to create a new Chinese narrative, infusing Western brands with meaning and articulating a reaction to the West.
A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that exclusive marketing contracts are more lucrative when firms and products have low market differentiation. By analyzing a real-world example, researchers discovered that non-exclusive contracts can be beneficial in highly competitive markets.
A recent study by the University of Bath found that strict labor market regulation is associated with higher unemployment rates worldwide. The research analyzed data from 73 countries and discovered that relaxed regulations could have reduced unemployment in Italy by up to 5.6 percentage points among young people.
Researchers developed computer-generated chains of kidney transplantations that start with altruistic donors, providing a viable alternative to paired donations. The models assign values to donor characteristics, generating pairings based on similar scores and overcoming issues in the matching market.
A study led by Caltech economists found that market forces can incentivize more people to solve problems and collaborate, unlike traditional patent systems. In experiments, participants were given shares of items to pack into a knapsack, allowing them to benefit financially from solving parts of the problem.
A sovereign Palestinian state is crucial for developing the ailing health system in the occupied Palestinian territory. The best-case scenario includes creating a self-governing entity that can provide core public services and funding for vulnerable groups.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) has released a report on the state of the geoscience economy, analyzing productive activity, commodity pricing, and gross domestic product contribution. The report integrates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the geosciences workforce and economic indicators.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded £16.5m in funding to three new Centres of Excellence, with a focus on the economic wellbeing of the UK. The centres will conduct research on globalisation, macro-economic growth, and the impact of immigration on growth and wellbeing.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
The study suggests that trade liberalization can exacerbate poverty, income inequality, and economic insecurity, leading to poorer health outcomes. The authors highlight the importance of social protection policies to mitigate these negative effects on public health.
A recent study assesses how risk management impacts corporate growth and value, highlighting the importance of equity cushions in capital structures. Risk managers often focus on measurement rather than management, leading to inadequate advice for managing risks.
A recent study in the Review of Agricultural Economics reveals that China's horticultural economy has contributed to poverty reduction among small and poor farmers. Despite the emergence of modern supply chains, ensuring food safety remains a challenge due to lack of contractual relationships and accountability.
Experts warn that retirement accounts lost 18% of value between 2007-2008, and housing prices fell by 4-20% in the same period. The current financial crisis affects those planning to spend down assets in retirement.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will develop high-performance computer modeling tools to design efficient wireless spectrum markets. The goal is to create a robust, economically viable and efficient Dynamic Spectrum Access architecture for cellular networks.
A new study found that countries with extensive government control over economies experience higher levels of ethnic conflict and civil wars. Economic policies redistributing income across ethnic groups exacerbate tensions.
A groundbreaking study by Brown University economist Yona Rubinstein and Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago reveals that the apparent narrowing of the gender wage gap in recent decades is due to changes in the type of women entering the workforce, not actual pay increases. The research found that growing wage inequality within...
A study in Economic Inquiry found that gas stations adjust their prices to match a few select peers, rather than all stations. However, price movements within the same chain are often highly correlated, suggesting indirect dependence on rival stations' prices.
A new study on Uganda's commodity coffee market found that when global coffee prices rise, farmers do not see the same increase in their earnings. The influx of seasonal buyers, known as 'ddebe boys,' means price increases are not fully passed on to growers.
A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.