We propose a new hypothesis testing method for multi-predictor regressions with finite samples, where the dependent variable is regressed on lagged variables that are autoregressive. It is based on the augmented regressiom method (ARM; Amihud and Hurvich (2004)), which produces reduced-bias...

We propose an explanation for the “disappearing dividend” phenomenon: a decline in the information content of dividend announcements, which reduces the propensity of firms to use dividends as a costly signal. A reason for a decline in the information content of dividends is the rise in...

Standard predictive regressions produce biased coefficient estimates in small samples when the regressors are Gaussian first-order autoregressive with errors that are correlated with the error series of the dependent variable. See Stambaugh (1999) for the single regressor model. This paper...

The higher taxation of dividends in the United States gave rise to theories that explain why companies pay dividends. Tax-based signaling models propose that the higher tax on dividends is a necessary condition to make them informative about companies' values. In Germany, where dividends are not...

A conglomerate merger generally leads, through the diversification effect, to reduced risk for the combined entity. As is well known, in perfect capital markets such risk reduction will not be beneficial to stockholders, since they can achieve on their own the preferred degree of risk in their...

This paper examines the effects of unexpected inflation on stock prices using Israeli data that provide a direct market-based measure of unexpected inflation: the price reaction of CPI-linked bonds following the CPI announcement. The results show that stock prices have a strong negative...

We propose that fund performance can be predicted by its R-super-2, obtained from a regression of its returns on a multifactor benchmark model. Lower R-super-2 indicates greater selectivity, and it significantly predicts better performance. Stock funds sorted into lowest-quintile lagged...

We study the exposure of the US corporate bond returns to liquidity shocks of stocks and Treasury bonds over the period 1973 - 2007 in a regime - switching model. In one regime, liquidity shocks have mostly insignificant effects on bond prices, whereas in another regime, a rise in illiquidity...