Abstract: Using a unique sample of 425 bank mergers in the US announced between 2000 and 2008 this paper provides clear evidence supporting the collusion and productive efficiency hypotheses. By analyzing 425 bank mergers and a total of 1112 possible rivals, our analysis shows that the majority...

We use internet search volume data to measure idiosyncratic and market-wide crisis sentiment to explain insurer stock return volatility. We find that market-level crisis sentiment was a significant predictor of stock return volatility of U.S. insurers between 2006 and 2010. Higher levels of...

In recent history, financial markets worldwide experienced severe turmoil due to the subprime crisis originating from the practice of US mortgage banks to securitise loans given especially to subprime borrowers. In the same crisis, several distressed banks were bailed out by states with even...