This paper investigates whether dynamic and moment extensions to the traditional CAPM can improve its empirical performance and offer some alternative explanation to the cross-section of average returns on portfolios of stocks double sorted on book-to-market ratios and size. We consider three...

The aim of this paper is to examine the main determinants of the rating likelihood of UK companies. We use a binary probit specification to model the main drivers of a firm's propensity to be rated. Using a sample of 245 non-financial UK companies over the period 1995--2006, representing up to...

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the quality of property rights institutions (PRIs) and bank financial performance in an empirical study of 136 countries over the period 1999-2006. Design/methodology/approach -The quality of PRIs and financial...

A simulated study is conducted of the relative tax incentives to capital investment in Europe. For 1994 required pre-tax rates of return vary from 8.5% for plant and machinery investments in Spain to l3.8% for commercial property in Ireland. Within investment categories, however, the spreads...

The aims of this study were to determine how UK finance practitioners derive and review the cost of capital, and to ascertain whether the final figure varied with the choice of method. To investigate behaviour in the real world a survey questionnaire was employed, eliciting responses from the...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of target gearing behaviour in firms as well as the drivers of such behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a triangulation approach across three methodological phases: a questionnaire survey, logistic...