We show that there are some troubling differences between mean returns calculated using logarithmic returns and those calculated using simple returns. The mean of a set of returns calculated using logarithmic returns is less than the mean calculated using simple returns by an amount related to...

The forthcoming revision of the Basel Accord will cause major changes in the capital incentives driving banks’ management decisions. The author briefly outlines the main proposals then considers the impact from the point of view of a bank treasurer. The discussion leads him to question whether...

This paper shows that short horizon stock returns can be predicted to a much greater degree by past price movements than would be anticipated given their low autocorrelation. This raises doubts over the reliability of the autocorrelation statistic as a measure of stock market predictability.

The lack of understanding of pensions amongst a large proportion of the UK adult population, combined with low levels of financial literacy generally, have been identified as significant barriers to saving for retirement. This article draws on the findings of the International Institute of...

Purpose – Bodies with responsibilities for paying pensions to individuals face a mortality risk in that the pensioners may prove longer lived than expected. The significant scale and uncertainity of this risk is becoming increasingly clear. Various measures are available to control this risk...

Purpose – In the UK, there is a strong government commitment to the compulsory use of annuities to manage the “decumulation” of assets in defined contribution pension schemes. Almost all annuity rates are determined by reference to the gender of the individual involved. This has the...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of regulation on both the cost of defined benefit pension (DB) schemes and their effectiveness for human resource management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper initially outlines the factors that have affected the costs...

Some sections of society have expressed concerns that consumer debt has risen to a dangerous level. However, there is little evidence regarding how consumers themselves feel about debt. This paper reports up-to-date findings from the International Institute of Banking and Financial Services’...