We examine the importance of ambiguity, or Knightian uncertainty, in the capital structure decision. We develop a static tradeoff theory model in which agents are both risk averse and ambiguity averse. The model confirms the usual idea that increased risk--the uncertainty over known possible...

The introduction of deal types for issues of seasoned equity in which the offer follows quickly after its announcement highlights the role of underwriter certification in the performance of SEOs. Controlling for the matching between underwriters and issuers, underwriter quality is positively...

The introduction of deal types for issues of seasoned equity in which the offer follows quickly after the announcement highlights the role of underwriter certification in the performance of SEOs. Controlling for the matching between underwriters and issuing firms, we find that the quality of the...

We investigate the importance of ambiguity, or Knightian uncertainty, in executives' decisions about when to exercise stock options. We develop an empirical estimate of ambiguity and include it in regression models alongside the more traditional measure of risk, equity volatility. We show that...

Bank failures during banking crises, in theory, can result either from unwarranted depositor withdrawals during events characterized by contagion or panic, or as the result of fundamental bank insolvency. Various views of contagion are described and compared to historical evidence from banking...

The discount window has been under attack recently as a costly and unnecessary tool of policy. This paper argues that the primary role of the discount window should be to provide occasional, temporary support to particular financial markets during localized financial crises. The benefits of the...