This volume contains contributions on a range of important issues in current research in finance and economics. Topics include the IPO underwriting spreads, the moral hazard problems in bank regulation as well as in the cost of deposit insurance, the loan yield spreads, and the aggregate bank performance at the state-level. The topics in global investments such as diversification benefits, overreaction and seasonality among international stock markets are also included in this volume. The contributions to this volume also address the appropriate asset allocation of hedge funds, the effects of...

The theme of this volume is "Dealing with Volatility and Enhancing Performance." The lead chapter sets the theme by giving insight into using the Chicago Board Option Exchange Volatility Index (CBOE VIX) futures in hedging strategies for equity market investors (and hedge funds). During a time when there is much concern about the perceived volatility of global equity markets, the insights offered here could be reassuring as well as useful. The second chapter offers insights into the efficiency (or lack thereof) of attempts for forecast global earnings. Then, the third chapter offers new...

The theme of Research in Finance vol. 29 is "Dealing with Crisis and Regulation." The first chapter looks for solutions to the European financial crisis, and the second provides a study of audit qualifications for accounting firms in Spain using advanced empirical methods. The next chapters are more international in focus, with topics including: business strategies for competition in Mexico; anomalies in the real return on corporate equity compared to real assets; the stabilizing influence of commodity futures trading in oil and gold. The following chapters explore the unintended consequences...

For the last twenty years "The Research in Finance Book Series" has been publishing papers that cover issues of significance and interest in finance and economics. The topics found in the series span a wide range and have made substantial contributions to the literature with articles from key figures in the world of finance. Volume 26, "Coping with Systemic Risk," is no exception and provides a valuable addition to the current research of finance in this area. The lead chapter sets the theme by giving insight into economic systems as packages containing multiple real options where the...

The broad theme of Volume 32 of Research in Finance is "The Spread of Financial Sophistication Through Emerging Markets Worldwide." Contributions assess the spread of Initial Public Offerings, the use of derivatives to provide stability, corporate governance in emerging markets, and the privatization of the Russian economy. We also gain new insights into applying financial modeling in emerging markets.

The broad theme of this volume of Research in Finance is "Comparing the Influence upon Equity Valuation of Strategy Compared with Cash Flow Expectations." Contributions assess the strong role of strategy in equity valuation, compared with valuation of expected dividends.

The volume first investigates the impact ofmacroeconomic variables on equity values in emerging economies as compared withdeveloped economies. Next it affirms the efficiency of the MidcontinentIndependent System Operator electricity exchange. Finally it investigates efforts to stimulate emerging nations around the world.