Financial Factors

This collection explores how financial factors have become of key importance for stabilization and growth in developing and transforming economies.

TOPICS IN THE BOOK Effect of Lending on the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange Impact of Gross Domestic Product on the Growth of Bond Markets in Kenya Effect of Online Banking on Performance of Microfinance Banking in Kenya Are Indian ADR Premiums Mispriced?

The paper assesses the effects of certain institutional factors on financial sector development in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is applied to determine the extent to which these institutions affect the financial sector, and to suggest which institutions play a more critical role in each country. Results suggest that institutional factors affect financial depth and access to financial services more than asset quality and profitability (measured by nonperforming loans (NPL) and return on equity (ROE). The results also suggest that depth of credit information has the strongest influence on the NPL ratio, and political stability affects access the most. Based on model findings, policy implications on prioritizing institutional reforms to enhance financial sector development are suggested for individual countries and for country groups.

This collection explores how financial factors have become of key importance for stabilization and growth in developing and transforming economies.

We suggest a new approach for analyzing the role of financial variables and shocks in computing the output gap. We estimate a two-region DSGE model for the euro area, with financial frictions at the household level, between 2000-2013. After joining the monetary union, a decline in some countries’ borrowing costs contributed to a credit, housing and real boom and bust cycle. We show that financial frictions amplified economic fluctuations and the measure of the output gap in those countries. On the contrary, in countries such as France and Germany, financial frictions played a minor role in output gap measures. We also present evidence of the trade-offs faced by the European Central Bank when trying to stabilize two regions in a currency union with unsynchronized economic cycles.

The Basics of Public Budgeting and Financial Management brings budgetary theory and practice together, filling the void between the two that has existed in the field of budgeting and public finance. This book bridges the gap by providing students with applications and exercises that reinforce budgetary theory. These exercises are the key to ensuring that students leave the classroom with knowledge and marketable skills. Specifically, students will be exposed to basic budget and finance concepts, but more importantly they will complete assignments where they apply the information in various settings. For example: creating tax structures, conducting a financial management plan, risk assessments, cost benefit analysis, and so on. This handbook also shows students how to best utilize tools that allow them to visually display budgets and other budgetary data. Students will gain the solid foundation needed to begin work in a budget office. While the original purpose of the book is the same, the third edition of the book provides a few new thematic sections as well as homework questions and classroom assignments that reinforce the topical areas. The ancillary materials make the process very easy for an instructor to organize their lectures around thematic areas. The book is a must read for instructor’s who are considering a course that introduces students to budgeting and finance and those who want student’s to learn the basic components of budgeting and financial management.

This content provides financial analysts, investment professionals, and financial planners with a review of how financial risk-tolerance tests can and should be evaluated. It begins by clarifying terms related to risk taking and is followed by a broad overview of two important measurement terms: validity and reliability. It concludes with examples for practice.