Barras, Scaillet, Wermers (2010) propose the False Discovery Rate to separate skill (alpha) from luck in fund performance. Using simulations with parameters informed by the data, we find that this methodology is overly conservative and underestimates the proportion of nonzero-alpha funds. E.g.,...

We construct novel measures of funds' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment by applying text analysis to the discretionary investment-strategy descriptions in their prospectuses. We find that investors respond strongly to text-based ESG measures. Using discrepancies between...

People tend to underestimate the work involved in completing tasks and consequently finish tasks later than expected or do an inordinate amount of work right before projects are due. We present a theory in which people underpredict and procrastinate because the ex-ante utility benefits of...

We empirically study the existence and impact of search frictions in the market for corporate control in order to explain who makes acquisitions. We proxy search frictions with the board of director's degree of connectedness. Alternatively, we capture such frictions using geographic proximity...

We empirically study the existence and impact of search frictions and the importance of golden parachute provisions in the market for corporate control. We proxy search frictions with the board's degree of connectedness, and also with measures of market thickness, geographic proximity and...

People tend to underestimate the work involved in completing tasks and consequently finish tasks later than expected or do an inordinate amount of work right before projects are due. We present a theory in which people underpredict and procrastinate because the ex-ante utility benefits of...