This paper contains a statistical description of the whole U.S. forward rate curve (FRC), based on data from the period 1990-1996. We find that the average deviation of the FRC from the spot rate grows as the square- root of the maturity, with a proportionality constant which is comparable to...

After a brief review of option pricing theory, we introduce various methods proposed for extracting the statistical information implicit in options prices. Among the methods discussed are: lognormal Edgeworth expansions, cumulant expansions, Hermite polynomial expansions, nonparametric kernel...

This paper considers the conditions that are necessary for market discipline to complement prompt corrective action (PCA) by the authorities in handling problem banks. We initially consider precisely what market discipline means in this context, who exercises it and the preconditions that are...

The role of financial institutions and corporate governance in the conduct and performance of industrial firms, especially in the area of technological innovation and international competition has been hotly debated in the recent past. The results presented here are a contribution to the...

Several studies have recommended reliance on subordinated debt as a tool for monitoring banks by investors and for enhancing depositors’ protection. However, subordinated debenture increases the level of leverage and thus the probability of costly failure. We propose a novel financial...

This paper examines the impact of the Internet on financial markets

In this report, we explain and analyze a trading strategy, popularly known as Pairs trading. We begin by explaining what a pair trading strategy entails. Since there are various ways of implementing the strategy, we describe the methodology selected by us in section 3. Thereafter, we look at the...

The article substantiates the hypothesis that the profitability of small firms is above all determined by qualitative variables. In this respect a low standardization of goods and even more importantly, the high significance of governance structures play a crucial role rendering the quality of...

We test whether liquidity is priced in the euro-denominated corporate bond market. We use the Arbitrage Pricing Theory to control for other sources of risk. Yields are used to measure the bonds' expected returns and liquidity is approximated by four indirect measures: issued amount, age, number...