We analyze the impact of the Volcker Rule on a bank's earnings and default probability by using a stochastic control model where the bank maximizes its value by selecting an optimal dividend, recapitalization, and investment strategy. We calibrate the model to a sample of U.S. banks. Since the...

Banks' assets are opaque, and therefore, we model their true accounting asset values as partially observed variables. We derive a stochastic control model to optimize banks' dividend and recapitalization policies in this situation, and calibrate that to a sample of U.S. banks. By the calibrated...

Historically, nonfinancial corporations relied on performance targets linked to their EPS. Up until the 1970s, banks also appeared to follow a similar practice, but since then they have favored ROE. Equity investors seem to be aware of these differences because EPS growth is better at explaining...