This article proposes a two-step method for estimating the impact of bond indenture provisions and other financial variables on the risk and yields of investment-grade and speculative corporate bonds. In the first step, the default risk of bonds is estimated as a function of indenture provisions...

The authors propose a rational signaling model to investgate the information content of dividends. The model provides a direct test of the relation between unexpected dividend and earnings changes. In identifying the component of unexpected dividend changes, the authors suggest an expectations...

This article extends the Marsh-Merton (1987) model to test the information effects of dividends. A generalized friction method provides for more reliable estimates of the relationship between dividends and the firm's permanent earnings by resolving the estimation problems caused by the dividend...

This paper examines whether a firm's sinking fund decision is affected by agency costs. The paper argues that sinking funds can be an effective device to resolve the problems of information asymmetry, risk incentives, and suboptimal investments. Empirical tests are provided. Results show that...

Wavelet analysis is a new mathematical tool developed as a unified field of science over the last decade. As spatially adaptive analytic tools, wavelets are useful for capturing serial correlation where the spectrum has peaks or kinks, as can arise from persistent/strong dependence, seasonality...

This paper proposes a residual-based Lagrange Multiplier (LM) test for the null of cointegration in panel data. The test is analogous to the locally best unbiased invariant (LBUI) for a moving average (MA) unit root. The asymptotic distribution of the test is derived under the null. Monte Carlo...

This paper uses the wild bootstrap to compute empirically relevant critical values for the test statistics proposed by Emerson and Kao (2001). Monte Carlo simulations were then performed to evaluate the size and power properties of the bootstrapped tests.

Urban economists have long sought to explain the relationship between urbanization levels and output. In this paper we revisit this question and look for a relationship between urbanization and growth using non- stationary panel data techniques. Our results show that a long run relationship...

In the first half of the paper we study spurious regressions in panel data when the cross-section and time-series dimensions are comparable. Asymptotic properties of the least-squares dummy variable (LSDV) estimator and other conventional statistics are examined. We show that the LSDV...