In this paper we develop a new semi-parametric model for conditional correlations, which combines parametric univariate GARCH-type specifications for the individual conditional volatilities with nonparametric kernel regression for the conditional correlations. This approach not only avoids the...

This paper develops a return forecasting methodology that allows for instability in the relationship between stock returns and predictor variables, for model uncertainty, and for parameter estimation uncertainty. The predictive regression specification that is put forward allows for occasional...

An interlock between two firms occurs if the firms share one or more directors in their boards of directors. We explore the effect of interlocks on firm performance for 101 large Dutch firms using a large and new panel database. We use five different performance measures, and for each...

GARCH models and Stochastic Volatility (SV) models can both be used to describe unobserved volatility in asset returns. We consider the issue of testing a GARCH model against an SV model. For that purpose, we propose a new and parsimonious GARCH-t model with an additional restricted moving...

We examine the diffusion of real-time gross settlement (RTGS) technology across all 174 central banks. RTGS reduces settlement risk and facilitates financial innovation in the settlement of foreign exchange trades. In 1985, only three central banks had implemented RTGS systems, and by year-end...

A new index of the U.S. high-tech sector - drawing upon a range of technology-specific data - has the potential to offer a more timely assessment of economic activity than has been possible to date. The index suggests that while the tech sector has rebounded from its poor performance in the...

In this paper we examine the extent to which countries are converging in per capita productivity levels. We propose to use cluster analysis in order to allow for the endogenous selection of converging countries. We formally define convergence in a time series analytical context, derive the...

In this paper, we present tables with critical values for a variety of tests for seasonal and non-seasonal unit roots in seasonal time series. We consider (extensions of) the Hylleberg et al. and Osborn et al. test procedures. These extensions concern time series with increasing seasonal...