Does Financial Development Affect Environmental Degradation? Evidence from the OECD Countries

In this study, building a simple model that incorporates static and dynamic elements, the relationship of financial development and economic growth to environmental degradation is investigated together with the validation of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Our analysis is based on an unbalanced panel data set covering the OECD countries over the period 1970–2014. Our approach thoroughly accounts for the presence of cross‐sectional dependence between the sample variables and utilizes second generation panel unit root tests in order to investigate possible cointegration relationships. The empirical findings do indicate that local (NO_x per capita emissions) and global (CO₂ per capita emissions) pollutants redefine the EKC hypothesis when we account for the presence of financial development indicators. Specifically, in the case of global pollution an N‐shape relationship is evident in both static and dynamic frameworks, with a very slow adjustment. Lastly, our study calls for a strengthening of the effectiveness of environmental degradation policies by ensuring sustainability of the OECD banking system in order to drastically reduce emissions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment     

Logistic Regression for Insured Mortality Experience Studies

Properly adapted statistical modeling methodology can be a powerful tool for coping with a broad range of challenges related to life and annuity insurance industries' experience studies. In this article, we present a logistic regression model based on U.S. insured mortality experience study with a focus on gaining study efficiency and effectiveness by addressing multiple analytical predicaments within one statistical modeling framework. These predicaments include but are not limited to (a) testing statistical significances or credibility of potential mortality drivers, (b) estimation of normalized mortality, slopes, and differentials, (c) quantification of study reliability, and (d) extrapolation for under-experienced mortality, smoothing between select and ultimate estimations, and development of basic experience tables.     

Valuation Effects of Greek Stock Dividend Distributions

This study analyses the price reaction to stock dividend distributions by firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange on both the announcement and the ex‐dividend day. It also analyses earnings per share, dividends per share and trading volume in the pre‐ and post‐announcement periods. The findings show statistically insignificant abnormal returns on both the announcement and the ex‐dividend day. The analysis does not reveal any significant change in earnings per share and dividends per share, but it does reveal a significant decline in the market‐adjusted trading volume in the post dividend period. The findings, based on a different institutional environment, expand the empirical evidence on the value effects of stock dividends.     

The Meaning of ``Agreement' under the Sherman Act: Thoughts from the ``Facilitating Practices' Experience

Review of Industrial Organization -