Payments of life insurance products depend on the uncertain future evolution of survival probabilities. This uncertainty is referred to as longevity risk. Existing literature shows that the effect of longevity risk on single life annuities can be substantial, and that there exists a (natural)...

This 2009 survey-based study describes how large global funds manage investment risk from strategy to implementation. In total, fifty-eight funds with assets aggregating to almost U$2 trillion participated in the survey. Almost all large funds (over U$25 billion) use some form of risk budgeting,...

Few microfinance-funded businesses grow beyond subsistence entrepreneurship. This paper considers one possible explanation: that the structure of existing microfinance contracts may discourage risky but high-expected return investments. To explore this possibility, I develop a theory that...

This paper investigates how recent changes in market interest rates have affected risk-adjusted returns. Returns are adjusted for duration, a measure of interest rate risk. Prior to the 2007-2008 rate decrease, one-year Treasuries offered the best risk/return tradeoff. As a result of the rate...

This paper investigates how the nature of risk changes as investment horizon lengthens, and what it means for investors. Accumulated wealth is analyzed in terms of four drivers: expected return, cash flow innovations, discount rate innovations, and reinvestment rates. This perspective highlights...

Extending the concept of real options, the research considers HR as a strategic asset and emphasizes certain HRM practices as creating HR options in terms of reducing uncertainties related to returns, volume and combinations and costs. HR option is in fact real option, since it allows the...

We develop a model in which investment risk drives the demand for CDS insurance. The model shows the efficiency of CDS contracting over the state of the economy. It shows that CDS overinsurance (insurance in excess of renegotiation surpluses) is procyclical, allowing for greater financing when...