In this paper we discuss the estimation of the diffusion coefficient in one-factor models for the short rate via non-parametric methods. We test the estimators proposed by Ait-Sahalia (1996), Stanton (1997) and Bandi and Phillips (2003) on Monte Carlo simulations of the Vasicek and CIR model. We...

In recent years, diffusion models for interest rates became very popular. In this paper, we perform a selection of a suitable diffusion model for the Italian short rate. Our data set is given by the yields on 3-month BOT (Buoni Ordinari del Tesoro), from 1981 to 2001, for a total of 470...

We evaluate the determinants of corporate governance of companies listed at the Italian Stock Exchange. We consider ownership structure, balance sheet data, company performance and some qualitative features as determinants. We evaluate the convergence of Italian companies' governance towards a...