This paper examines the use of derivatives by a utility company. The hedging problem for utilities is atypical; the goal is not strictly to minimize average costs. Rather, the objectives are to minimize the upside risk associated with extreme bills, volatility of bills, and average expected...

Natural gas company managers concerned with customer satisfaction attempt to minimize the occurrence of extreme bills. Previously, only price fluctuations were addressed with derivative instruments; exchange-traded weather derivatives present a means of hedging exposure to increases in quantity...

In this paper, we analytically derive the adjustments needed for the conventional hedge ratio due to the presence of short-run and long-run dynamics. We also analytically show the performance impact of these dynamics. We apply the method discussed in the paper to eight different stock index...

This paper investigates the determinants of the Confucius Institute (CI) establishment. It is shown that FDI, trade, geographical distance, developing country, and English speaking are important factors whereas GDP and population are marginally significant. Overall, CIs are under-represented in...

Comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman often evoked concerns about whether the government would protect bondholders in the event of default by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (F&F). Using a model of capital structure, we analyze the impact of this uncertainty on the value of the implicit subsidy...

Using data from 1,217 publicly traded Chinese companies from 1994–2006, we show that the capital financing behavior of Chinese firms deviates substantially from the pecking order theory in that equity issues are always the preferred financing source for funding requirements. We further...

Given the exponential growth in exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading, ETFs have become a significant factor in the volatility generating process of their largest component stocks. A simple model of trading is developed for securities that are included in ETFs, and empirical support is provided for...