We investigate whether firms risk-shift via corporate pension plans in response to distress risk induced through economic policy uncertainty (EPU). Using a sample of US-listed firms, we find that firms increase pension underfunding levels when facing higher EPU. Cross-sectional analysis shows...

Two recent papers examine the impact of corporate bankruptcy laws on new business start-ups in 29 countries over 1990 - 2008 (Peng et al., 2010; Lee et al., 2010). In this commentary, I briefly point out two significant issues which future researchers might want to consider. First, several countries...

Two recent papers examine the impact of corporate bankruptcy laws on new business start-ups in 29 countries over 1990 - 2008 (Peng et al., 2010; Lee et al., 2010). In this commentary, I briefly point out two significant issues which future researchers might want to consider. First, several countries...

Private independent limited partnership venture capital funds receive capital from institutional investors, without tax incentives. Limited partnership investment activities are governed by restrictive covenants that are determined by negotiated contract between the fund managers (general...

A recent article in the Journal of Public Economics has asserted, among other things, that government venture capital funds in Europe have crowded out private venture capital. In this research note, I explain that the findings in that paper are based on empirical measures that are completely...

This paper shows stock exchange trading rules are of central importance for the trading location of cross-listed stocks. We also consider various measures of sovereign governance and shareholder rights across countries to assess the complementary effects of other legal and institutional drivers...

Governance has many dimensions – corporate governance pertains to the firm's management whilst sovereign governance pertains to the firm's exposure to sovereign risk, corruption, and poor regulation. We show that both are important drivers of firm value and this has serious implications for...

We examine the influence of both public and private enforcement of securities regulation on securities issuance across firm size and institutional quality. We conjecture that in G10 countries with strong institutional environments, private enforcement benefits large firms more than small firms,...

This paper empirically examines business starts, deaths, venture capital and patents in relation to U.S. public policy. The most consistent evidence in the data shows that lower levels of labor frictions and higher levels of SBIR awards are associated with more business starts and higher levels...

A recent article in the Journal of Public Economics has asserted, among other things, that government venture capital funds in Europe have crowded out private venture capital. I explain that the findings in that paper are based on empirical measures that are completely flawed. Moreover, I show...