Ronald Ravinesh Kumar, Hossein Ghanbari, Peter Josef Stauvermann
In this study, we apply a novel approach of portfolio diversification—the robust maximum diversified (RMD)—to a small and developing economy’s stock market. Using monthly returns data from August 2019 to May 2024 of 18/19 stocks listed on Fiji’s South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), we construct the RMD portfolio and simulate with additional constraints. To implement the RMD portfolio, we replace the covariance matrix with a matrix comprising unexplained variations. The RMD procedure diversifies weights, and not risks, hence we need to run a pairwise regression between two assets (stocks) and extract the R-square to create a P-matrix. We compute each asset’s beta using the market-weighted price index, and the CAPM to calculate market-adjusted returns. Next, together with other benchmark portfolios (1/N, minimum variance, market portfolio, semi-variance, maximum skewness, and the most diversified portfolio), we examine the expected returns against the risk-free (RF) rate. From the simulations, in terms of expected return, we note that eight portfolios perform up to the RF rate. Specifically, for returns between 4 and 5%, we find that max. RMD with positive Sharpe and Sortino (as constraints) and the most diversified portfolio offer comparable returns, although the latter has slightly lower standard deviation and downside volatility and contains 94% of all the stocks. Portfolios with returns between 5% and the RF rate are the minimum-variance, the semi-variance, and the max. RMD with positive Sharpe; the latter coincides with the RF rate and contains the most (94%) stocks compared to the other two. An investor with a diversification objective, some risk tolerance and return preference up to the RF rate can consider the max. RMD with positive Sharpe. However, depending on the level of risk-averseness, the minimum-variance or the semi-variance portfolio can be considered, with the latter having lower downside volatility. Two portfolios offer returns above the RF rate—the market portfolio (max. Sharpe) and the maximum Sortino. Although the latter has the highest return, this portfolio is the least diversified and has the largest standard deviation and downside volatility. To achieve diversification and returns above the RF rate, the market portfolio should be considered.
{"title":"Application of a Robust Maximum Diversified Portfolio to a Small Economy’s Stock Market: An Application to Fiji’s South Pacific Stock Exchange","authors":"Ronald Ravinesh Kumar, Hossein Ghanbari, Peter Josef Stauvermann","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090388","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, we apply a novel approach of portfolio diversification—the robust maximum diversified (RMD)—to a small and developing economy’s stock market. Using monthly returns data from August 2019 to May 2024 of 18/19 stocks listed on Fiji’s South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), we construct the RMD portfolio and simulate with additional constraints. To implement the RMD portfolio, we replace the covariance matrix with a matrix comprising unexplained variations. The RMD procedure diversifies weights, and not risks, hence we need to run a pairwise regression between two assets (stocks) and extract the R-square to create a P-matrix. We compute each asset’s beta using the market-weighted price index, and the CAPM to calculate market-adjusted returns. Next, together with other benchmark portfolios (1/N, minimum variance, market portfolio, semi-variance, maximum skewness, and the most diversified portfolio), we examine the expected returns against the risk-free (RF) rate. From the simulations, in terms of expected return, we note that eight portfolios perform up to the RF rate. Specifically, for returns between 4 and 5%, we find that max. RMD with positive Sharpe and Sortino (as constraints) and the most diversified portfolio offer comparable returns, although the latter has slightly lower standard deviation and downside volatility and contains 94% of all the stocks. Portfolios with returns between 5% and the RF rate are the minimum-variance, the semi-variance, and the max. RMD with positive Sharpe; the latter coincides with the RF rate and contains the most (94%) stocks compared to the other two. An investor with a diversification objective, some risk tolerance and return preference up to the RF rate can consider the max. RMD with positive Sharpe. However, depending on the level of risk-averseness, the minimum-variance or the semi-variance portfolio can be considered, with the latter having lower downside volatility. Two portfolios offer returns above the RF rate—the market portfolio (max. Sharpe) and the maximum Sortino. Although the latter has the highest return, this portfolio is the least diversified and has the largest standard deviation and downside volatility. To achieve diversification and returns above the RF rate, the market portfolio should be considered.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose—The objective of this study was to conduct a detailed South African study that sought to explore and analyse the views of South African accountants regarding the factors that affect the adoption of AI in financial reporting. In other words, this study aimed to understand what accountants in South Africa think about the use of AI in their field, especially concerning its integration into financial reporting practices. Three main theories underpinned the study, namely, the diffusion of innovation, technology, organisation, and environment framework, and the institutional theory. In essence, the study sought to determine the perception of South Africa’s accountants on these factors. Design/methodology/approach—This study adopted the quantitative research method and descriptive design. In this regard, positivism as a philosophy was preferred. An online survey was developed to collect information from the participants. Participants were recruited based on their affiliation with the four IFAC-recognised accounting bodies in South Africa: SAICA, SAIPA, CIMA, and ACCA. Findings—Th study found that, overall, South African accountants believe that organisational, technological, and environmental factors play a role in adopting artificial intelligence in financial reporting. Originality/value: This study contributes by enriching the understanding of South African accountants’ perceptions of the adoption of artificial intelligence in financial reporting through the lenses of the selected theories.
{"title":"Perceptions of South African Accountants on Factors with a Role in the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Reporting","authors":"Tankiso Moloi, Hassan Obeid","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090389","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090389","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose—The objective of this study was to conduct a detailed South African study that sought to explore and analyse the views of South African accountants regarding the factors that affect the adoption of AI in financial reporting. In other words, this study aimed to understand what accountants in South Africa think about the use of AI in their field, especially concerning its integration into financial reporting practices. Three main theories underpinned the study, namely, the diffusion of innovation, technology, organisation, and environment framework, and the institutional theory. In essence, the study sought to determine the perception of South Africa’s accountants on these factors. Design/methodology/approach—This study adopted the quantitative research method and descriptive design. In this regard, positivism as a philosophy was preferred. An online survey was developed to collect information from the participants. Participants were recruited based on their affiliation with the four IFAC-recognised accounting bodies in South Africa: SAICA, SAIPA, CIMA, and ACCA. Findings—Th study found that, overall, South African accountants believe that organisational, technological, and environmental factors play a role in adopting artificial intelligence in financial reporting. Originality/value: This study contributes by enriching the understanding of South African accountants’ perceptions of the adoption of artificial intelligence in financial reporting through the lenses of the selected theories.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"174 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kepas Antoni Adrianus Manurung, Hermanto Siregar, Dedi Budiman Hakim, Idqan Fahmi, Tanti Novianti
Abstract: Currently, banks are facing challenges in fulfilling the interests of stakeholders, not only from an economic point of view, but also in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This is due to the increasing concern for sustainability issues, including lending activities. Lending activities constitute the largest portion of bank assets and are the largest contributor to bank revenues. Thus, banks need certain business models and strategies to encourage sustainable lending growth; otherwise, it will be difficult for banks to fulfill stakeholder’s interests and support sustainable development goals. This study aimed to build a sustainable business model and select sustainable lending strategies in state-owned banks in Indonesia using a value chain approach. The development of a sustainable business model utilizing a triple-layer business model canvas (TLBMC) is based on the results of previous research and sustainability report data of the three state-owned banks. The formulation of strategy selection as the key driver of sustainable lending utilized the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on expert respondent data collected through questionnaires. This research showed that the lending distribution business model at state-owned banks in Indonesia, which was built using the TLBMC framework, can realize sustainability goals in the form of a sustainable lending business model. Furthermore, this sustainable business model can be used as a basis for selecting sustainable strategies. In addition, the AHP results yielded alternative strategies in the form of the market development and penetration of green loans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the key drivers of sustainable lending growth.
{"title":"Business Model and Strategy for Sustainable Lending of State-Owned Banks in Indonesia","authors":"Kepas Antoni Adrianus Manurung, Hermanto Siregar, Dedi Budiman Hakim, Idqan Fahmi, Tanti Novianti","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090386","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Currently, banks are facing challenges in fulfilling the interests of stakeholders, not only from an economic point of view, but also in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This is due to the increasing concern for sustainability issues, including lending activities. Lending activities constitute the largest portion of bank assets and are the largest contributor to bank revenues. Thus, banks need certain business models and strategies to encourage sustainable lending growth; otherwise, it will be difficult for banks to fulfill stakeholder’s interests and support sustainable development goals. This study aimed to build a sustainable business model and select sustainable lending strategies in state-owned banks in Indonesia using a value chain approach. The development of a sustainable business model utilizing a triple-layer business model canvas (TLBMC) is based on the results of previous research and sustainability report data of the three state-owned banks. The formulation of strategy selection as the key driver of sustainable lending utilized the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on expert respondent data collected through questionnaires. This research showed that the lending distribution business model at state-owned banks in Indonesia, which was built using the TLBMC framework, can realize sustainability goals in the form of a sustainable lending business model. Furthermore, this sustainable business model can be used as a basis for selecting sustainable strategies. In addition, the AHP results yielded alternative strategies in the form of the market development and penetration of green loans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the key drivers of sustainable lending growth.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The COVID-19 pandemic and the current wars in some countries have put incredible pressure on the global economy. Challenges for the U.S. include not only economic factors, major disruptions, and reorganizations of supply chains, but also those of national security and global geopolitics. This unprecedented situation makes predicting economic crises for the coming years crucial yet challenging. In this paper, we propose a method based on various machine learning models to predict the probability of a recession for the U.S. economy in the next year. We collect the U.S.’s monthly macroeconomic indicators and recession data from January 1983 to December 2023 to predict the probability of an economic recession in 2024. The performance of the individual economic indicator for the coming year was predicted separately, and then all of the predicted indicators were used to forecast a possible economic recession. Our results showed that the U.S. will face a high probability of being in a recession period in the last quarter of 2024.
{"title":"Using an Ensemble of Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Economic Recession","authors":"Leakey Omolo, Nguyet Nguyen","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090387","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090387","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic and the current wars in some countries have put incredible pressure on the global economy. Challenges for the U.S. include not only economic factors, major disruptions, and reorganizations of supply chains, but also those of national security and global geopolitics. This unprecedented situation makes predicting economic crises for the coming years crucial yet challenging. In this paper, we propose a method based on various machine learning models to predict the probability of a recession for the U.S. economy in the next year. We collect the U.S.’s monthly macroeconomic indicators and recession data from January 1983 to December 2023 to predict the probability of an economic recession in 2024. The performance of the individual economic indicator for the coming year was predicted separately, and then all of the predicted indicators were used to forecast a possible economic recession. Our results showed that the U.S. will face a high probability of being in a recession period in the last quarter of 2024.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"439 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abraham Nyebar, Adefemi A. Obalade, Paul-Francois Muzindutsi
Lending to the agricultural sector by commercial banks in Ghana is characterized by high credit risk. Empirical evidence suggests that commercial banks in Ghana have credit risk management (CRM) challenges. This study explores the credit risk mitigation strategies adopted by commercial banks to minimize credit risk in agricultural finance in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using a survey questionnaire and interview instruments. The findings indicate that some of the strategies used by commercial banks to mitigate credit risk in agricultural finance do not meet commercial banks’ CRM needs. In addition, Ghanaian commercial banks have not fully adopted some of the recommended strategies that are used to mitigate credit risk associated with agricultural lending. The study unveils some appropriate strategies used to mitigate credit risk exposure in agricultural finance among commercial banks. These strategies include agricultural value-chain financing, collaboration with off-takers, incentive-based and risk-sharing schemes, adoption of a holistic agricultural value chain financing, policy interventions, use of agricultural insurance pool, and the proper structuring of agricultural loans.
{"title":"The Effectiveness of Credit Risk Mitigation Strategies Adopted by Ghanaian Commercial Banks in Agricultural Finance","authors":"Abraham Nyebar, Adefemi A. Obalade, Paul-Francois Muzindutsi","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090385","url":null,"abstract":"Lending to the agricultural sector by commercial banks in Ghana is characterized by high credit risk. Empirical evidence suggests that commercial banks in Ghana have credit risk management (CRM) challenges. This study explores the credit risk mitigation strategies adopted by commercial banks to minimize credit risk in agricultural finance in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using a survey questionnaire and interview instruments. The findings indicate that some of the strategies used by commercial banks to mitigate credit risk in agricultural finance do not meet commercial banks’ CRM needs. In addition, Ghanaian commercial banks have not fully adopted some of the recommended strategies that are used to mitigate credit risk associated with agricultural lending. The study unveils some appropriate strategies used to mitigate credit risk exposure in agricultural finance among commercial banks. These strategies include agricultural value-chain financing, collaboration with off-takers, incentive-based and risk-sharing schemes, adoption of a holistic agricultural value chain financing, policy interventions, use of agricultural insurance pool, and the proper structuring of agricultural loans.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Barbara Abou Tanos, Omar Farooq, Mohammed Bouadi, Neveen Ahmed
This paper investigates the asymmetric impact of fund active management style on the performance of ESG funds. Unlike conventional measures of synchronicity, we propose new measures that capture the asymmetric patterns in a fund’s management style in upside and downside market conditions. Our data includes 170 equity funds that are identified as socially responsible, with a period spanning from 2010 to 2022. Our proposed methodology allows us to capture the asymmetric patterns in the fund management styles under different market conditions while mitigating the challenge of outliers, which is crucial when assessing funds’ active management activities. We find that while ESG funds promote sustainability, their active management is only beneficial during periods of market downturns. Our results are robust after controlling for different funds characteristics, for several active management proxies, and across various model specifications. This paper thus provides crucial guidelines for fund managers since it shows that their success is greatly influenced by their time-varying skills and management style in changing market conditions. Our findings incentivize ESG fund managers to pursue information acquisition activities during market downturns, as these activities improve market informational efficiency while aligning with their sustainability goals.
{"title":"Asymmetric Impact of Active Management on the Performance of ESG Funds","authors":"Barbara Abou Tanos, Omar Farooq, Mohammed Bouadi, Neveen Ahmed","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090383","url":null,"abstract":"This paper investigates the asymmetric impact of fund active management style on the performance of ESG funds. Unlike conventional measures of synchronicity, we propose new measures that capture the asymmetric patterns in a fund’s management style in upside and downside market conditions. Our data includes 170 equity funds that are identified as socially responsible, with a period spanning from 2010 to 2022. Our proposed methodology allows us to capture the asymmetric patterns in the fund management styles under different market conditions while mitigating the challenge of outliers, which is crucial when assessing funds’ active management activities. We find that while ESG funds promote sustainability, their active management is only beneficial during periods of market downturns. Our results are robust after controlling for different funds characteristics, for several active management proxies, and across various model specifications. This paper thus provides crucial guidelines for fund managers since it shows that their success is greatly influenced by their time-varying skills and management style in changing market conditions. Our findings incentivize ESG fund managers to pursue information acquisition activities during market downturns, as these activities improve market informational efficiency while aligning with their sustainability goals.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The current economic and political crisis has brought about a change in the environment in which non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) have traditionally operated. This change can be summed up as a reduction in the funds they receive and an increase in the population they must serve. The need then arises to have mechanisms that allow an analysis of the good work performed by the NGDOs. Knowing the efficiency of the NGDOs in the management of their previous projects can contribute towards improving their future achievements. The aim of this research is to establish some objective indicators that allow an evaluation of the efficiency of these organisations. Firstly, a detailed analysis of the regulation of the three agencies is conducted (Spanish-AECID, European-EuropeAid, and American-USAID). This allows us to synthesise the indicators of good performance of the NGDO based on the study of the eligibility criteria of public donors. The research concludes with the study of the efficiency following the Promethee Approach. Our results reveal that 44.6% of the NGDOs (33 out of the 74 studied) operate inefficiently, compared to 29.7%, which are efficient.
{"title":"The NGDOs Efficiency: A PROMETHEE Approach","authors":"Susana Álvarez-Otero, Emma Álvarez-Valle","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090382","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090382","url":null,"abstract":"The current economic and political crisis has brought about a change in the environment in which non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) have traditionally operated. This change can be summed up as a reduction in the funds they receive and an increase in the population they must serve. The need then arises to have mechanisms that allow an analysis of the good work performed by the NGDOs. Knowing the efficiency of the NGDOs in the management of their previous projects can contribute towards improving their future achievements. The aim of this research is to establish some objective indicators that allow an evaluation of the efficiency of these organisations. Firstly, a detailed analysis of the regulation of the three agencies is conducted (Spanish-AECID, European-EuropeAid, and American-USAID). This allows us to synthesise the indicators of good performance of the NGDO based on the study of the eligibility criteria of public donors. The research concludes with the study of the efficiency following the Promethee Approach. Our results reveal that 44.6% of the NGDOs (33 out of the 74 studied) operate inefficiently, compared to 29.7%, which are efficient.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigates the ESG performance–systemic risk (SR) nexus among Indian companies. Using the beta coefficient from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and statistical analysis, it explores how ESG performance affects SR. The findings reveal that firms with higher ESG scores have lower SR sensitivity. Notably, there is a significant difference in risk sensitivity between high- and low-ESG-rated companies, with ESG effects being less pronounced in high-cap firms compared to low-cap firms. Conversely, large firms, older firms, and those with lower borrowing costs show a diminished effect of ESG ratings on their SR sensitivity. These results underscore the importance of firm-specific characteristics in determining the efficacy of ESG strategies in risk mitigation. This study reveals that ESG performance reduces SR, with market valuation affecting this relationship.
本研究调查了印度公司的环境、社会和公司治理绩效与系统风险(SR)之间的关系。它利用资本资产定价模型(CAPM)的贝塔系数和统计分析,探讨了环境、社会和公司治理绩效如何影响系统风险。研究结果表明,ESG 分数越高的公司,SR 敏感性越低。值得注意的是,ESG评级高的公司与ESG评级低的公司在风险敏感性上存在显著差异,ESG对高市值公司的影响不如对低市值公司明显。相反,大公司、老公司和借贷成本较低的公司的 ESG 评级对其 SR 敏感性的影响较小。这些结果凸显了公司的具体特征在决定 ESG 战略在降低风险方面的有效性时的重要性。本研究揭示了环境、社会和公司治理绩效会降低 SR,而市场估值会影响这种关系。
{"title":"ESG Performance and Systemic Risk Nexus: Role of Firm-Specific Factors in Indian Companies","authors":"Mithilesh Gidage, Shilpa Bhide, Rajesh Pahurkar, Ashutosh Kolte","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090381","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090381","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the ESG performance–systemic risk (SR) nexus among Indian companies. Using the beta coefficient from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and statistical analysis, it explores how ESG performance affects SR. The findings reveal that firms with higher ESG scores have lower SR sensitivity. Notably, there is a significant difference in risk sensitivity between high- and low-ESG-rated companies, with ESG effects being less pronounced in high-cap firms compared to low-cap firms. Conversely, large firms, older firms, and those with lower borrowing costs show a diminished effect of ESG ratings on their SR sensitivity. These results underscore the importance of firm-specific characteristics in determining the efficacy of ESG strategies in risk mitigation. This study reveals that ESG performance reduces SR, with market valuation affecting this relationship.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Consumer protection in the financial market has several dimensions. From a formal point of view, consumer rights are guaranteed by law. Educational programs are implemented in schools and the media to promote knowledge and responsible use of financial products and services. Despite the efforts made, the number of incorrect and suboptimal financial decisions is so high that the risk of households falling into excessive debt remains significant. The limited effectiveness of the law led to the claim that only effective education can reduce the risk of suboptimal financial decisions. Unfortunately, the efforts made in this area are not fully satisfactory. The study of financial knowledge of consumers, which was conducted in Poland in January 2024, aimed to verify consumer errors and their nature. As part of the consumer study, not only declared knowledge was verified, but also actual knowledge. The researchers’ doubts resulted from a comparison of the results of scientific research in this area with the current market situation. Consumers declare a high level of knowledge of economic and financial concepts. In practice, however, they make mistakes that do not only indicate behavioral cognitive errors but also a lack of knowledge. The test questions were constructed in such a way as to verify the declared knowledge (based on verification questions). These showed that the actual level of knowledge was lower than the declared one. A review of the literature and studies of financial knowledge and financial competence of consumers in Central European countries was also carried out. Analysis of the results allowed for the formulation of conclusions regarding the educational gap in relation to social characteristics. The conclusions resulting from the study raise questions about the effectiveness of the educational methods used and indicate possible directions of changes in the consumer regulation policy, the aim of which is to ensure a high level of consumer protection.
{"title":"Consumers’ Financial Knowledge in Central European Countries in the Light of Consumer Research","authors":"Łukasz Gębski, Georges Daw","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090379","url":null,"abstract":"Consumer protection in the financial market has several dimensions. From a formal point of view, consumer rights are guaranteed by law. Educational programs are implemented in schools and the media to promote knowledge and responsible use of financial products and services. Despite the efforts made, the number of incorrect and suboptimal financial decisions is so high that the risk of households falling into excessive debt remains significant. The limited effectiveness of the law led to the claim that only effective education can reduce the risk of suboptimal financial decisions. Unfortunately, the efforts made in this area are not fully satisfactory. The study of financial knowledge of consumers, which was conducted in Poland in January 2024, aimed to verify consumer errors and their nature. As part of the consumer study, not only declared knowledge was verified, but also actual knowledge. The researchers’ doubts resulted from a comparison of the results of scientific research in this area with the current market situation. Consumers declare a high level of knowledge of economic and financial concepts. In practice, however, they make mistakes that do not only indicate behavioral cognitive errors but also a lack of knowledge. The test questions were constructed in such a way as to verify the declared knowledge (based on verification questions). These showed that the actual level of knowledge was lower than the declared one. A review of the literature and studies of financial knowledge and financial competence of consumers in Central European countries was also carried out. Analysis of the results allowed for the formulation of conclusions regarding the educational gap in relation to social characteristics. The conclusions resulting from the study raise questions about the effectiveness of the educational methods used and indicate possible directions of changes in the consumer regulation policy, the aim of which is to ensure a high level of consumer protection.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leonir Vilani, Antonio Zanin, Mauro Lizot, Marcelo Gonçalves Trentin, Paulo Afonso, José Donizetti de Lima
Investment appraisal of agricultural projects (APs) is particularly demanding due to several factors. Namely, APs may have longer time horizons, higher external and internal volatility, and uncertainty caused by less control of production and external conditions (e.g., climatic conditions and market demand). Indeed, these APs may face high and different risks that should be managed properly. Nevertheless, both the literature and practice do not address such complexity and uncertainty conveniently. Thus, this research aimed to develop an integrative and easy-to-use framework to support the investment appraisal of APs, which goes beyond the traditional approach based on simple and deterministic models. This framework is based on an approach that includes several capital budgeting techniques integrating extended multi-index methodology (EMIM), Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and real options analysis (ROA). This framework allows dealing with different risk and uncertainty scenarios and managerial flexibilities, which allow alternative and additional investment options. A simpler and easier approach can be particularly important for family agribusinesses, which usually do not use sophisticated decision-making tools. An AP in an agrosilvopastoral system (i.e., agriculture, livestock, forestry) was used to present and discuss the proposed methodology considering the relevance of such systems for sustainable agriculture and their higher risk and complexity when compared to traditional approaches. The main contribution of the framework is structuring a set of steps based on several tools to carry out investment appraisal in APs.
由于若干因素,农业项目(APs)的投资评估要求特别高。也就是说,农业项目可能具有较长的时间跨度、较高的外部和内部波动性,以及由于对生产和外部条件(如气候条件和市场需求)控制较少而造成的不确定性。事实上,这些非营利组织可能面临高风险和不同的风险,应加以妥善管理。然而,文献和实践都没有对这种复杂性和不确定性进行便捷的处理。因此,本研究旨在开发一个综合且易于使用的框架,以支持杀伤人员地雷的投资评估,该框架超越了基于简单和确定性模型的传统方法。该框架基于一种包含多种资本预算技术的方法,包括扩展多指数方法(EMIM)、蒙特卡罗模拟(MCS)和实物期权分析(ROA)。该框架允许处理不同的风险和不确定性情景以及管理灵活性,从而允许替代和额外的投资选择。对于通常不使用复杂决策工具的家庭农业企业来说,更简单易行的方法尤为重要。考虑到此类系统与可持续农业的相关性,以及与传统方法相比其较高的风险性和复杂性,我们使用了农-水-牧系统(即农业、畜牧业、林业)中的 AP 来介绍和讨论所建议的方法。该框架的主要贡献在于,以若干工具为基础,构建了一套对可持续农业进行投资评估的步骤。
{"title":"A Framework for Investment and Risk Assessment of Agricultural Projects","authors":"Leonir Vilani, Antonio Zanin, Mauro Lizot, Marcelo Gonçalves Trentin, Paulo Afonso, José Donizetti de Lima","doi":"10.3390/jrfm17090378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17090378","url":null,"abstract":"Investment appraisal of agricultural projects (APs) is particularly demanding due to several factors. Namely, APs may have longer time horizons, higher external and internal volatility, and uncertainty caused by less control of production and external conditions (e.g., climatic conditions and market demand). Indeed, these APs may face high and different risks that should be managed properly. Nevertheless, both the literature and practice do not address such complexity and uncertainty conveniently. Thus, this research aimed to develop an integrative and easy-to-use framework to support the investment appraisal of APs, which goes beyond the traditional approach based on simple and deterministic models. This framework is based on an approach that includes several capital budgeting techniques integrating extended multi-index methodology (EMIM), Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and real options analysis (ROA). This framework allows dealing with different risk and uncertainty scenarios and managerial flexibilities, which allow alternative and additional investment options. A simpler and easier approach can be particularly important for family agribusinesses, which usually do not use sophisticated decision-making tools. An AP in an agrosilvopastoral system (i.e., agriculture, livestock, forestry) was used to present and discuss the proposed methodology considering the relevance of such systems for sustainable agriculture and their higher risk and complexity when compared to traditional approaches. The main contribution of the framework is structuring a set of steps based on several tools to carry out investment appraisal in APs.","PeriodicalId":47226,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Risk and Financial Management","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}