This paper investigates the determinants of financial dollarization in emerging market economies, a phenomenon where domestic residents hold large shares of their portfolios in foreign currencies. In addition to common explanatory variables, this paper places an emphasis on central banks'...

We combine machine learning algorithms (ML) with textual analysis techniques to forecast bank stock returns. Our textual features are derived from press releases of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). We show that ML models produce more accurate out-of-sample predictions than OLS...

Using quarterly data on commercial banks operating in Pakistan over a period of 2002-2014, this study finds that banking sector in Pakistan takes more risk during ease and infection ratio increases with a rise in policy rate. In addition, with lower return on asset and small capital base, banks...

Sukuk are considered as an alternative instrument in Islamic finance. However, the structures and provisions make sukuk dissimilar to bonds. Literature is having difficulty in the comparison between the performance/integration of the sukuk and bonds issued at the same time. To fill the existing...

In this paper we first introduce microfinance institutions as an alternative investment instrument. We argue that beside socially responsible features of microfinance, there exists also significant portfolio enhancement opportunity in microfinance investments. Then we provide an overview of...

This paper examines the investment behavior of Indian mutual fund industry. Since the majority of investors who invest in mutual funds are salaried individuals or individuals that own SMEs, the Indian Mutual Fund industry should have a long term investment horizon. However, the data from all...

The current paper analyzes the performance and the choice of portfolio in Islamic banks. We consider a sample of 8 Malaysian universal Islamic banks between 2004 and 2008. We use the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) as an indicator of the degree of diversification. The performance of the banks...

The current paper analyzes the performance and the choice of portfolio in Islamic banks. We consider a sample of 8 Malaysian universal Islamic banks between 2004 and 2008. We use the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) as an indicator of the degree of diversification. The performance of the banks...

The current paper analyzes the performance and the choice of portfolio in Islamic banks. We consider a sample of 8 Malaysian universal Islamic banks between 2004 and 2008. We use the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) as an indicator of the degree of diversification. The performance of the banks...

This research paper empirically shows that unemployment is significant in determining both consumer bankruptcy filings and delinquency even after controlling for household demographics. Furthermore, I show that unemployment and the debt/wealth ratio also affect the choice of whether to file for...