The value of informal learning within work-based learning: The economic benefits of WBL

Recent updates to federal policy governing career and technical education (CTE) in the United States have emphasised the need to include work-based learning (WBL) experiences as central components of CTE programming. Many of these experiences showcase an informal learning component which has strong ties to early career success as suggested by the Human Capital Theory. This study explores the following questions: What is the relationship between WBL and early career income? Are there differential relationships based on the type of WBL experience? The Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS) includes nationally representative data for student participation in WBL and early career income. We used school-fixed effects and propensity score matching techniques to respond to our questions regarding the potential relationship between WBL participation and early career income. We found that students who participated in at least one WBL experience in high school could expect to have an average 7% higher income compared to non-WBL participants. With respect to specific WBL experiences, job shadowing, community service, and mentoring had the largest positive relationship to higher early career income. Findings from this study indicate that participation in WBL experiences can have a positive impact on a high school graduate's college and career readiness as measured through early career income. Given the differential relationships observed for different types of WBL, schools, policymakers, and students should explore WBL options that best align with their personal goals.     

The Future Direction of China's Cross‐border Insolvency Laws,Related Issues and Potential Problems

The enactment of bankruptcy laws by the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) in 2006 was a necessary step in the development of its economy. This law represented a significant modernisation of the insolvency framework, supporting the transforming economy, but it was also a law of political expediency, for the enhancement of external relations. One aspect of the enhancement of external relations was the provision of cross‐border insolvency rules. However, this complex area of law was addressed in only one article, which was only a starting point, leaving many details unaddressed, and further reforms are required. In particular, it is desirable that the law provides a greater level of predictability as to the likely outcomes of cross‐border insolvencies, to encourage inward trade and investment, as well as encourage external trade. Both inbound and outbound business dealings are important to China's continued economic development. It is clear also, however, that insolvency law and practice is still a developing area for China. The establishment of a modern and unified system of insolvency laws was a big step for China, representing a sacrifice of tight controls on insolvencies, but the impact of this law in practice is only recently developing, with a loosening of state controls, after a very slow start. 1 The establishment of a cross‐border insolvency framework represents a further challenge; one that is likely to beset with considerable difficulties, as any further development of this law would potentially entail some further loss of control over proceedings, not least in outbound cases, and resistance may be anticipated. In keeping with China's historical approach to lawmaking in the area of bankruptcy law, it is likely that the cross‐border insolvency framework will develop gradually and with caution. This article assesses the way forward in respect of cross‐border insolvency laws, contending that an incremental approach over a period of years, in three broad stages, is required, with more developed and country‐specific approaches providing a link, or interim stage, between the clarification of the Article 5 and the formal adoption of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Law on Cross‐Border Insolvency Proceedings 1997 (Model Law) in China. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The refinancing threshold pricing model: An economic approach to valuing MBS

Investigation of MBS prepayment data indicates that mortgagors have different interest rate levels, or thresholds, at which they exercise their option to prepay their mortgage. In order to properly value an MBS with heterogeneous mortgagors, Merrill Lynch has developed the Refinancing Threshold Pricing Model (RTP). The RTP model focuses on the refinancing decision of the mortgagor when pricing the mortgage pool. The model divides each pool into groups of mortgagors who share similar refinancing costs. Using market data, the RTP model endogenously determines both the implied costs that mortgagors face, as well as the proportion of the MBS pool in each refinancing cost group. In addition to determining pool value, the RTP model also calculates MBS duration, dP/dY and convexity. Comparison between RTP model values and actual market data reveals a strong correlation. The RTP has a wide range of applications, including valuing 15-year and 30-year conventional MBS; pricing interest-only (IO)/principal-only (PO) derivative MBS; determining new versus seasoned MBS price spreads; and valuing specific MBS pools.The information set forth was obtained from sources we believe reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy. Neither the information, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by us for the purchase or sale of any securities or commodities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. or its affiliates may have either a long or short position in, and may buy and sell for its own account or the accounts of others, these securities.     

美国国债评级展望下调的根源及前景——基于标普下调美国国债评级展望的分析

标普下调美国国债评级展望的事件引发市场剧烈波动,美国国债问题备受关注。文章分析指出,美国财经纪律松散、回避长期性经济结构调整而依赖短期性刺激救助政策等因素,是构成本次国债评级展望下调的深层原因,而未来由美国＂婴儿潮＂引发的＂银发海啸＂及社会医疗保险支出的上升将加剧财政收支矛盾。总体来看,美国国债评级短期内大幅下调的可能性不大,但长期风险不容忽视。