LIQUIDITY AND TICK SIZE: DOES DECIMALIZATION MATTER?

The effect of the move to decimalization by the Toronto Stock Exchange, where the minimum tick size was decreased to $0.05 from $0.125, is examined. Liquidity is measured by the price impact of unexpected volume. Results show an unambiguous gain to investors. Effective spreads decrease significantly, but the price impact is unaffected. In addition, evidence indicates an increase in trading activity in absolute terms as well in relation to U.S. exchanges for cross-listed stocks. This is consistent with the observed decrease in transaction costs.     

Gender and ethnic differences in factors that influence food intake

Abstract The objective of this research was to ascertain the gender-and ethnic-related factors that influence what one eats. This survey was conducted using a validated, pilot-tested questionnaire in 11 states and the District of Columbia, which were participating in the W-182 Western Regional Research project. The results indicated that the factors that influence what one eats differ by gender and ethnicity. Men were very much influenced by likes and dislikes, and by their spouse or significant other. Women were influenced by likes and dislikes, and health. Food likes/dislikes and concerns about health and weight were among the leading four factors for all ethnic groups. Food likes/dislikes were the top factor influencing what is eaten by 51% or more of Asians, Pacific Islanders, Caucasians and Hispanics. Concern about health was the top factor for 62% and 58%, respectively, of African Americans and Native Americans.     

THE EMPLOYMENT PROBLEM,AGRICULTURAL CHANGE,AND POLICY OBJECTIVES IN INDUSTRIALLY ADVANCED COUNTRIES

Traditional macroeconomic approaches to the employment problem are insufficient at the stage of development reached in the industrially advanced capitalist economies, and employment policy has to encompass a much wider range of incentives, public expenditure criteria, and investment decisions affecting all sectors of the economy. Implications for the agricultural sector are discussed. Employment and labour use are seen as inter-related with other aspects of agricultural policy, including those concerned with agronomic and ecological problems. Performance criteria often adopted in evaluating agricultural change are called into question, and a reappraisal of cost concepts is found to raise some fundamental issues faced by industrially advanced societies.