We propose two nonparametric transition density-based speciÞcation tests for continuous-time diffusion models. In contrast to marginal density as used in the literature, transition density can capture the full dynamics of a diffusion process, and in particular, can distinguish processes with...

We show why considering a number of education-dependent covariates in the wage equation decreases coefficient of education in the wage equation. We use a meta-analysis of results for Portugal to show, empirically, that this is the case. The coefficient decreases when we use covariates that can...

Using the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, this article investigates how Russian households' consumption responds to income shocks and, in particular, how household wealth and human capital affect the households' ability to smooth consumption. An instrumental variable estimation method...

The Basel Committee regulations require the estimation of Value-at-Risk at 99% confidence level for a 10-trading-day-ahead forecasting horizon. The paper provides a multivariate modelling framework for multi-period VaR estimates for leptokurtic and asymmetrically distributed real-estate...

Contemporary actuarial and accounting practices (APN 110 in the South African context) require the use of market-consistent models for the valuation of embedded investment derivatives. These models have to be calibrated with accurate and up-to-date market data. Arguably, the most important...

Market leverage is one of the main determinants for defining the optimal capital structure of the firm, and has a significant impact on several variables that affect the design of the firm's business strategy. This paper is focussed on the potential methodologies exploitable to obtain reliable...

Following seminal works of Knight (1921) and Ellsberg (1961), we distinguish uncertainty from risk and examine the impact of aggregate uncertainty on return dynamics of size and book-to-market ratio sorted portfolios. Using VVIX as a proxy for aggregate uncertainty and controlling for market...

We discuss efficiency of the quadratic bridge volatility estimator in comparison with Parkinson, Garman-Klass and Roger-Satchell estimators. It is shown in particular that point and interval estimations of volatility, resting on bridge estimator, are considerably more efficient than analogous...

This paper examines asymmetry in exchange rate dependence between domestic and foreign currencies vis-à-vis some world currencies for small inflation targeters, and find mixed evidence. Positive-type asymmetry (i.e., greater dependence during joint appreciations than joint depreciations) is...