Recent research by Gu and Wu (2003) and Basu and Markov (2004) suggests that the well-known optimism bias in analysts’ earnings forecasts is attributable to analysts minimizing symmetric, linear loss functions when the distribution of forecast errors is skewed. An alternative explanation...

Recent research by Gu and Wu (2003) and Basu and Markov (2004) suggests that the well-known optimism bias in analysts’ earnings forecasts is attributable to analysts minimizing symmetric, linear loss functions when the distribution of forecast errors is skewed. An alternative explanation...

This paper adopts a nonlinear framework to model the deviations of the real exchange rate from its fundamental value implied by International Real Business Cycle models with complete asset markets. By focusing on the post Bretton Woods era, we find that in several cases there is a long run...

After a prolonged period characterized by rapid real appreciation in house prices, there is now broad recognition of the severe correction in housing markets that followed as one of the causes of the 2008-09 global recession. We investigate the time series characteristics of three relevant price...

This paper revisits the corner solution in classical portfolio choice theory in which risk-averse agents would all be optimally plungers rather than diversifiers. We examine the effect of higher-order moments of two-, three- and four-parameter density functions on the investor's decision to...

The probabilistic structure of periodically collapsing bubbles implies different values for the slope coefficient of alternative efficient market hypothesis tests depending on whether the bubble is in an explosive regime or not. We exploit this fact and propose a new method for bubble...

We exploit a rather neglected source of data, The Commercial and Financial Chronicle to shed light on the behaviour of daily and weekly exchange rates throughout several interwar hyperinflation episodes. The purpose of our analysis is three-fold: firstly, we investigate the consistency of...

This paper examines the effects of audit firm mergers and the demise of Andersens on market concentration, competitiveness and audit pricing in the UK. Our results indicate that the large audit firms increased their market share between 1985 and 2002 by merging and expanding into new sectors....