This article examines the reasons for the phenomenal growth of financial derivative markets in recent years. The author shows how specific demand forces have largely determined the direction and speed of the derivatives' spread.

Using quarterly data for the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, this article investigates the relationship between changes in fundamental economic conditions and the international reactions of stock and bond markets. The author assesses the degree to which the transmission of...

During the 1980s, U.S. commercial banks faced increased competition in their lending activity from large finance companies. This article analyzes the differential performance of banks and finance companies in various segments of the consumer and business credit markets. In particular, it...

U.S. corporations have floated stocks and bonds in unprecedented amounts in the last year. How much have corporate treasurers reduced their firms' interest payments through such refinancing? After assessing the motives for refinancing, the authors estimate the aggregate interest savings achieved...