This paper studies the relationship between social-political and judicial factors and private investment in Latin America during 1995-2003 by means of panel data analysis. The empirical evidence suggests that investment rate differentials, not only among Latin American countries but also with...

This paper analyzes the relation between bank mergers and changes in the concentration and efficiency of the Venezuelan Banking System during the period 1998-2005. Efficiency was estimated through a stochastic cost frontier model. The concentration was measured by deposits and considering the...