Can monetary policy influence long-term interest rates? Studies that have tackled this question using VARs generally find that monetary policy's influence on long-term interest rates is small and often statistically insignificant. Other studies, however, using a single-equation approach have...

The purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical arguments presented in the literature related to the issue concerning whether domestic firm value may be enhanced via the use of foreign currency debt. Additionally, it adds to the existing literature in three ways. First, it provides an...

We show that the ordinary least-squares method used by Pirinsky and Wang (2006) suffers from an endogeneity problem leading to biased and inconsistent estimates. A maximum likelihood estimation procedure that will produce consistent estimates for their model is set forth. This is done using an...

This paper proposes the application of an option-pricing framework to the ex-dividend behavior of common stocks. This framework explains the observed behavior of positive returns on the ex-dividend day and predicts that ex-dividend day returns will be higher for firms with greater financial...

This paper reports survey results regarding leasing practices of small firms. Small firms that lease are more likely to be relatively large manufacturing firms which exhibit higher debt ratios and higher sales growth. The survey responses as well as empirical analyses of pertinent data reveal...

This paper examines the structure of debt covenants in small firms, with emphasis on privately owned firms. It is based on a survey of a large sample of firms drawn from the S&P Register of Corporations. The findings show that debt covenants imposed on small firms differ according to the firm...

In this paper we examine the relationship between ownership differences and small firms' financial policies using a survey of U.S. companies. The study finds that financial policies differ according to the type of ownership (private versus public) and by the ownership differences (family-owned,...

Investors in private corporations face unique problems relating to corporate control, illiquidity and valuation of securities. In this research, we survey a large sample of US corporations. Our sample includes both private and public firms. Major findings of our research are as follows: Private...

In this paper we examine insider trading around bank failures. We examine insider trading around four major bank failures that took place in the 1980's. The four failures that are examined are Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company, First City Bancorp., First Republic Bank and...

In this paper the educational background of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Large U.S. Firms are examined. Specifically, the educational background of CEOs from large U.S. firms, as identified in the Forbes 800 Compensation List, are examined. Information concerning the number of Chief...