IMF Staff Papers, Volume 47, No. 1

IMF Staff Papers, Volume 47, No. 1

Author: International Monetary Fund. Research Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2000-01-01

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 1451974582

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This paper discusses the origins of the pyramid schemes and the way the authorities handled them. The paper analyzes the economic effects of the pyramid schemes, concluding that despite the descent into anarchy triggered by the schemes’ collapse, their direct effects on the economy are difficult to specify and appear to have been limited. The paper also argues that prevention of pyramid schemes is better than cure and that government and international financial institutions should be vigilant in clamping down on frauds.


Empirical Asset Pricing

Empirical Asset Pricing

Author: Wayne Ferson

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2019-03-12

Total Pages: 497

ISBN-13: 0262039370

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An introduction to the theory and methods of empirical asset pricing, integrating classical foundations with recent developments. This book offers a comprehensive advanced introduction to asset pricing, the study of models for the prices and returns of various securities. The focus is empirical, emphasizing how the models relate to the data. The book offers a uniquely integrated treatment, combining classical foundations with more recent developments in the literature and relating some of the material to applications in investment management. It covers the theory of empirical asset pricing, the main empirical methods, and a range of applied topics. The book introduces the theory of empirical asset pricing through three main paradigms: mean variance analysis, stochastic discount factors, and beta pricing models. It describes empirical methods, beginning with the generalized method of moments (GMM) and viewing other methods as special cases of GMM; offers a comprehensive review of fund performance evaluation; and presents selected applied topics, including a substantial chapter on predictability in asset markets that covers predicting the level of returns, volatility and higher moments, and predicting cross-sectional differences in returns. Other chapters cover production-based asset pricing, long-run risk models, the Campbell-Shiller approximation, the debate on covariance versus characteristics, and the relation of volatility to the cross-section of stock returns. An extensive reference section captures the current state of the field. The book is intended for use by graduate students in finance and economics; it can also serve as a reference for professionals.


Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-07-29

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309142393

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.


Japanese Foreign Direct Investment

Japanese Foreign Direct Investment

Author:

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The apparent shift of Japan's foreign direct investment from higher- income host countries (such as the United States) toward Asian developing countries (such as China) may create opportunities for sustained growth in these lower income economies. This shift seems to be part of a strategic reorientation that will gradually reduce Japanese dependence on the United States while Japan explores intra- Asian opportunities.


A Reader in International Corporate Finance

A Reader in International Corporate Finance

Author: Stijn Claessens

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2006-01-01

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 0821367013

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"A Reader in International Corporate Finance offers an overview of current thinking on six topics: law and finance, corporate governance, banking, capital markets, capital structure and financing constraints, and the political economy of finance. This collection of 23 of the most influential articles published in the period 2000-2006 reflects two new trends: interest in international aspects of corporate finance, particularly specific to emerging markets, awareness of the importance of institutions in explaining global differences in corporate finance. ""In the last decade, financial economists have increasingly focused on the role of laws and institutions in explaining differences in financial development across countries. This collection will be of great use to readers interested in the emerging new paradigm in corporate governance."" Andrei Shleifer, Harvard University ""Anybody seeking to understand corporate finance and corporate governance must read the papers in this book and the literature they have spawned. The financing of firms is based on contracts and the enforcement of those contracts. Without comparing firms under different contractual systems, therefore, it is impossible to grasp fully the key factors shaping the financing and behavior of firms."" Ross Levine, Brown University ""This reader describes how law, property rights, and corporate governance contribute to financial development, as well as how private interest groups can block or support financial reform, and thereby shape the financial development of countries. It is a must read for any student of finance."" Raghuram Rajan, International Monetary Fund"