We present a novel approach to assess firm similarity by analyzing two million images. We leverage machine learning techniques to identify graphical objects that best represent companies’ operations, forming Image Industry Classifications (IIC). IIC mirrors investor-defined peer groups and,...

Using a semi-supervised topic model on 7,000,000 New York Times articles spanning 160 years, we test whether topics of media discourse predict future stock and bond market returns to test rational and behavioral hypotheses about market valuation of disaster risk. Focusing on media discourse...

We propose an estimator for the stochastic discount factor (SDF) that does not require macroeconomic proxies or preference assumptions. It depends only on observed asset returns, yet is immune to the form of the multivariate return distribution, including the distribution's factor structure....

We decompose the non-diversifiable market risk into continuous and discontinuous components and jump systematic risks into positive vs. negative and small vs. large components. We examine their association with equity risk premia across major equity markets. We show that developed markets jumps...

We propose a protocol for identifying genuine risk factors. A genuine risk factor must be related to the covariance matrix of returns, must be priced in the cross-section of returns, and should yield a reward-to-risk ratio that is reasonable enough to be consistent with risk pricing. A market...

This paper contributes to the corporate governance literature by developing and testing theory regarding positive and negative synergies between the CEO's and the board's human and social capital. Using a sample of 360 biotechnology firms that went public between 1995 and 2010, we demonstrate...

During 2002 and 2003, 140 publicly traded US firms announced their intention to recognize an accounting expense when stock options are granted to employees. Many similar firms elected not to expense options. We study the stock market's reaction. There is no evidence whatsoever that expensing...

We examine how the ownership of lead venture capital firms (VCs) evolves after their portfolio companies (PCs) are publicly listed. The VC investment period before the IPO, the VC age, the PC age, and the percentage change in the post-IPO stock price all incentivize earlier VC exit. Lead VCs...

We analyze the daily predictability of investor sentiment across four major asset classes and compare sentiment measures based on news and social media with those based on trade information. For the majority of assets, trade-based sentiment measures outperform their text-based equivalents for...

Using a semi-supervised topic model on 7,000,000 New York Times articles spanning 160 years, we test whether topics of media discourse predict future stock and bond market returns to test rational and behavioral hypotheses about market valuation of disaster risk. Focusing on media discourse...