Robustness of some non-uniform random variate generators

Often the usefulness of a random variate generator for a distribution is based on the successful generation of independent variates from the uniform distribution. However, no pseudo-random number generator is capable of generating a truly random uniform sequence. As the cost of computations is now dramatically reduced, the computational efficiency should not be the primary criterion in choosing a good generator. Proposed here is a robustness criterion which is designed to study the effect of an imperfect pseudo-random number generator on the accuracy of a random variate generator. In particular, the beta and binomial variate generators are examined for their robustness to the non-uniformity of a pseudo-random number generator.     

DIFFERENTIAL INFORMATION AND THE UNDERPRICING OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS: AUSTRALIAN EVIDENCE

This paper provides evidence on underpricing in Australia using 340 industrial initial public offerings over the period 1980 to 1990. It aims to explain why underpricing is consistent with rational behaviour by focusing on differential information across IPO firms. We measure differential information along two dimensions, the quality and the quantity of information. We propose that the quality of information is reflected in the reputation of independent advisers to the preparation of the issuing firm's prospectus. Three such independent external advisers are examined: the investigating accountant, the underwriter, and the expert. The results provide strong support for the reputation effect of the underwriter on underpricing. Although there is evidence showing a negative relation between underpricing and the reputation of the investigating accountant and the expert, it is not significant. Our results also support the differential quantity of information hypothesis. Firms with more information available are, on average, less underpriced.     

On Mutual Fund Investment Styles

Most mutual funds adopt investment styles that cluster arounda broad market benchmark. Few funds take extreme positions awayfrom the index, but those who do are more likely to favor growthstocks and past winners. The bias toward glamour and the tendencyof poorly performing value funds to shift styles may reflectagency and behavioral considerations. After adjusting for style,there is evidence that growth managers on average outperformvalue managers. Though a fund's factor loadings and its portfoliocharacteristics generally yield similar conclusions about itsstyle, an approach using portfolio characteristics predictsfund returns better.     

Nonlinear dynamics of the Nikkei Stock Average Futures

This paper analyzes the conditional distribution of the Nikkei Stock Average Futures prices traded in the Singapore International Monetary Exchange (SIMEX). It is found that the conditional mean of the logarithmic price ratios is zero and the conditional variance is adequately described by the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (witht errors) suggested by Nelson (1991) and the autoregressive volatility model suggested by Hsieh (1993). The Brock, Dechert and Scheinkman (1987) statistic cannot reject the hypothesis that the standardized residuals are independently and identically distributed. The results are applied to calculate the maintenance margin and the long-term capital requirements of the contract given an assumed maximum failure rate. The margin requirements set by the SIMEX appear to be adequate compared to our estimates.     

Estimation in a growth study with irregular measurement times

Between 1982 and 1988 a growth study was carried out at the Division of Pediatric Oncology of the University Hospital of Groningen. A special feature of the project was that sample sizes are small and that ages at entry may be very different. In addition the intended design was not fully complied with. This paper highlights some aspects of the statistical analysis which is based on (1) reference scores, (2) statistical procedures allowing for an irregular pattern of measurement times caused by missing data and shifted measurement times.     

A note on the demand for labor by firms and the Phillips curve phenomenon

This paper derives microeconomic implications of an increase in inflation uncertainty for a firm's demand for capital and labor resources. The concern for this topic is motivated by an interest in the effect of inflation uncertainty on the demand for labor and especially the Phillips curve. The basic idea is that an increase in the actual inflation rate increases inflation uncertainty with respect to the rental price of capital relative to that of labor, which in turn increases the demand for labor, both absolutely and relative to the capital stock. The result is a decline in unemployment.