International Diversification Research Articles

Do Institutional Quality and Natural Resources Affect the Outward Foreign Direct Investment of India?

The institutional quality and natural resources of the host country are among the essential determinants of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). The present study is performed to examine the role of the host country’s institutional quality and natural resources on Indian OFDI for the panel of 15 countries concerning the period from 2001 to 2020. The study uses the fixed-effect panel regression model and found that host nations’ political stability, voice and accountability, absence of violence or terrorism, rule of law, and control of corruption attract FDI from India. Further, the government’s efficacy and regulatory quality do not have a considerable impact on Indian OFDI. The study also found that the natural resources of the host nation play an important role in the international diversification of investments made by Indian investors. It is recommended to the government of host nations to strengthen their institutional quality as good-quality institutions add to the growth of entrepreneurship, encourage investment, and therefore stimulate the economic growth of the economy.

International diversification and corporate social responsibility disclosure quality: Employee versus environmental dimensions

AbstractMultinational enterprises (MNEs) face increasing institutional complexity as they expand internationally, which has a significant effect on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. In this study, we investigate an under‐explored difference between MNEs' employee and environmental CSR disclosure quality concerning the extent to which CSR reports are indicative of substantive activities. We propose that as international diversification increases institutional complexity, MNEs lower the disclosure quality of environmental CSR yet improve the disclosure quality of employee CSR due to their different institutional implications. In addition, we examine the effect of MNEs' home country cultural differences regarding uncertainty avoidance on the relationship between international diversification and employee and environmental disclosure quality. Based on a sample of 335 global MNEs from 31 countries, we found general support for our hypotheses.

Association between corporate diversification strategies and inventory performance: a firm-level investigation

PurposeThis research aims to empirically investigate the impacts of product and international diversification strategies on firm-level inventory performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically examines the associations between product and international diversification strategies and inventory performance based on a sample of 64,124 observations across 7,367 US publicly traded firms between 1989 and 2019 from the COMPUSTAT Segment, Fundamental Annual and Fundamental Quarterly data files. We employ both linear and nonlinear regression models to perform our empirical analysis.FindingsThis research provides strong evidence that there exists a U-shaped relationship between unrelated product diversification and inventory level and a partially inverted U-shaped relationship between international diversification and inventory level. We also find a positive impact of related product diversification on inventory level, but there is no significant curvilinear relationship between related product diversification and inventory level.Practical implicationsOur research findings offer important insights into top management’s strategic planning for diversification strategies and operations manager’s inventory control policies to achieve the strategic fit between corporate diversification and inventory management.Originality/valueProduct and international diversification strategies not only play an essential role in the firm’s competitive advantage, but also have a significant influence on operations manager’s inventory decision. This research is among the first to systematically investigate how top management’s related product, unrelated product and international diversification strategies may have complex nonlinear impacts on inventory performance.

Innovation knowledge exchange within Chaebols and the ownership structure of their foreign subsidiaries

PurposeThis study examines how the characteristics of innovation knowledge exchanged among affiliate firms affect the ownership strategies adopted for their foreign subsidiaries.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a cross-classified multilevel model to examine a sample of 185 Korean manufacturing affiliates derived from 49 Chaebols engaged in international diversification, along with their 1,110 foreign manufacturing subsidiaries.FindingsWhile exploratory innovation knowledge exchange lowers the affiliate's level of ownership in its foreign subsidiary, exploitative innovation knowledge exchange rather increases the affiliate's level of ownership in its foreign subsidiary.Research limitations/implicationsThis study advances the literature on intrafirm knowledge exchange by highlighting it as a determinant of ownership strategies. The study further shows that the characteristics of knowledge exchanged at the affiliate level not only determine the ownership structure but also have the potential to shape the direction in which the subsidiary develops its competencies.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for the managers of business group affiliates. The results suggest that managers should adapt their ownership strategies according to the type of knowledge exchanged at the affiliate level to achieve a balanced and synergistic effect on intraorganizational knowledge exchange.Originality/valuePrevious studies have extensively explored the performance implications related to knowledge exchange. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the mechanisms through which the value of knowledge transferred within an affiliate is realized. To address this gap, this study focuses on ownership strategy as a crucial factor and empirically examines how the characteristics of innovation knowledge exchanged among affiliate firms influence the ownership strategies adopted for their foreign subsidiaries. By investigating this relationship, this study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of knowledge exchange and its effect on ownership decisions within business group affiliates.

A Note on the Impact of the Canada-India Diplomatic Standoff on the Performance of Canadian Mutual Funds Investments in India

On June 18, 2023, Mr. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, was killed in Canada. On September 18, 2023, the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Justin Trudeau, accused the Indian Government of involvement in killing Mr. Nijjar in the Canadian Parliament. This accusation preceded and succeeded by other events, led to a significant diplomatic standoff that is still ongoing. We examine the impact of this event chain on the performance of daily returns of mutual funds based in Canada that are predominantly invested in Indian securities. Our results, controlled for general stock market returns, fund size, expense ratio, and interest rates, indicate that the events negatively impacted fund performance. Our study adds to the existing literature on the benefits of international diversification of mutual funds in disconnected markets. The findings of this paper suggest that political discord between two distinct and unrelated economies may impact profits and negate the advantages of international diversification. Our study is significant to professionals, particularly mutual fund managers, as it demonstrates the role of two countries’ political ties in affecting mutual fund returns.

Geoeconomic Fragmentation and International Diversification Benefits

Geoeconomic Fragmentation and International Diversification Benefits

Diversification Versus Segmentation and Integration in Financial Markets

This article examines the integration/segmentation between developed and emerging markets and its implications on the gains generated by international diversification. Both theoretical and empirical studies agree on the benefits of international diversification in terms of reducing total risk and increasing portfolio returns, showing that the gains from international diversification are superior to domestic diversification. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains contingent on the level of market integration. Indeed, when markets are financially and economically integrated, potential gains will be low or even nonexistent. Conversely, when markets are segmented, gains will be significant. The sample for our empirical analysis consists of thirty-five financial markets: nineteen markets in Europe and Central Asia, nine markets in East Asia and the Pacific, four markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, and two markets in North America. These countries are classified according to the World Bank. The study covers the period from 01/2006 to 12/2022. Our results show that the gains from international diversification, are statistically and economically significant for all countries in the sample.

To diversify or not? The link between global sourcing of ICT goods and firm performance

ABSTRACT We analyse variation in firm performance as a function of the international diversification of ICT imports by firms. Drawing on administrative data from 2010 and 2014 on nearly 4000 German manufacturing firms, we find that firms with ICT sourcing that is diversified across multiple countries perform better than similar, less-diversified firms. This finding holds true for two performance metrics (value added and gross operational surplus) as well as for two indicators of diversification. Our paper thus contributes to deliberations on Europe's digital sovereignty.

Practical Applications of International Diversification—Still Not Crazy after All These Years

Practical Applications of International Diversification—Still Not Crazy after All These Years

Exploring Volatility Spillover Dynamics between Emerging South Asian Stock Markets and the U.S. Market: Empirical Insights from the M-GARCH-BEKK Framework

Abstract: This study investigates the volatility spillover between emerging South Asian equity markets and developed U.S. market. Specifically, the study examines the entire sample period and three sub-periods: pre-crisis, crisis, and post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) periods in the emerging markets of Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, as well as the U.S. as developed stock market. The study analyses both unidirectional and bidirectional shock and volatility spillover among the markets to determine the direction of risk transmissions. The analysis utilizes a multivariate GARCH-BEKK model. The results indicate that volatility transmissions increased due to the GFC. Furthermore, the South Asian emerging markets exhibit shock and volatility spillover during the crisis period compared to the pre- and post-crisis periods. Additionally, the patterns of risk transmission were time-varying. These findings support the notion that market volatility increases during turbulent events, such as the Global Financial Crisis. The implications of these results are important for policymakers, investors, and researchers interested in international diversification and market efficiency within the studied markets especially during turbulent periods.

Research on Portfolio International Diversification and Forecasting the Future Market

International portfolio diversification could tackle the problem of the case of high risk but low return of one single investment. It could be the combination of any two or even more investments. Selecting investments that involve bright prospects is essential. As long as the selection of portfolio is feasible and desirable, the result of the investment would be considerable. The paper mainly tells the importance of portfolio international diversification as well as the models of forecasting the future market. The purpose of this paper is to make sure that the investors can take the least risk but earn the biggest possible income. The portfolio is an investing method that deserves concern. Based on this, deciding which model to use to forecast the future market is necessary. The paper has outlined several models as well as calculations for investors to choose from. Furthermore, the pros and cons of each of them are concluded, and the comparisons between each are made.

International diversification and European firm value: the role of operating efficiency

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of international diversification on the value and operating efficiency of European real estate firms.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted using a panel fixed effects regression model to estimate the relationship of international diversification with firm value and operating efficiency. International diversification is mainly measured via the negative of the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) using property-level data. Firm value and operating efficiency are proxied by financial ratios observed annually from 2002 to 2021 at the firm level.FindingsThe results demonstrate that international diversification has a negative effect on firm value. Additionally, it lowers operating efficiency by weakening a firm's ability to generate operating earnings from its assets. By examining whether the reduction in operating efficiency is due to the rental income channel or the capital gains channel, the authors find strong statistical evidence that international diversification negatively impacts capital gains. International diversification is negatively associated with net gains from property valuations (unrealized capital gains) and net profits from property disposals (realized capital gains).Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical analysis is limited to Europe.Originality/valueThis paper extends the geographical diversification literature. While existing literature focuses on domestic diversification within the United States, this paper explores the effects of international diversification on European real estate firms. To the extent of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the impact of geographical diversification on capital gains.

Supply Chain Resilience: Should Policy Promote International Diversification or Reshoring?

Previous articleNext article No AccessSupply Chain Resilience: Should Policy Promote International Diversification or Reshoring?Gene M. Grossman, Elhanan Helpman, and Hugo LhuillierGene M. Grossman Search for more articles by this author , Elhanan Helpman Search for more articles by this author , and Hugo Lhuillier Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Journal of Political Economy Just Accepted Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/725173 Views: 49Total views on this site HistoryAccepted March 17, 2023 © 2023 The University of Chicago. All Rights reserved.PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Economic integration and consumption risk sharing: A comparison of Eurozone and OECD countries

Economic theory predicts that economic integration can facilitate improvements in international consumption risk sharing. We test this proposition by comparing risk sharing among Eurozone members and members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) using a dynamic common correlated effects mean group estimator (DCCEMG). The results reveal that the OECD members outperform the Eurozone members in terms of short run and long run risk sharing, despite the barriers to risk sharing being considerably lower among the latter. We attribute this outcome to lower business cycle synchronization and stock return correlations among OECD members, which creates better opportunities to share risk within the group. The results highlight the trade-off between the benefits of business cycle synchronization and international risk sharing. More tightly integrated economies, facilitate trade in assets that promotes better portfolio diversification, while at the same time are characterized by higher business cycle synchronization that depletes agents of risk sharing opportunities. Consequently, our results give strong support to the hypothesis of “diminishing international diversification potential”. However, the benefits associated with the improved risk sharing are increasing with the number of countries in the monetary union.

The Analysis on the Relationship between International Diversification and the Cost of Debt Financing: Focused on the Moderating Effect of R&D Intensity

The Analysis on the Relationship between International Diversification and the Cost of Debt Financing: Focused on the Moderating Effect of R&D Intensity

Foreign investors, rebalancing trades, and increases in U.S.-Japan stock market correlations

ABSTRACT Foreign investors’ transaction volume in the Tokyo Stock Exchange has grown steadily in the past three decades, and Japanese stocks have become a familiar instrument for international diversification. Rebalancing trades in a local national market by foreign institutional investors holding multi-country asset portfolios, often heavily represented by U.S. stocks, amplify the national market’s stock index co-movements with the U.S. This paper examines the extent to which greater participation of foreign investors is associated with increases in the unconditional correlation of daily returns between the U.S. (S&P 500) and Japan (TOPIX). A Gaussian copula marginal regression model is applied to the monthly series of unconditional correlations. We find that the growth in foreign investors’ transaction share of the Tokyo market’s turnover approximately accounts for the rise in U.S.-Japan correlations for 1990–2019. Foreign investors’ trades improve the informational efficiency of local national markets. Increased correlations lead to smaller potential gains from international diversification, however.

Returns and Investors’ Risk Perception as the Determinants of Sharia Index Integration During Covid-19

Capital market liberalization provides international diversification opportunities for investors in the capital market. However, developments in information technology that lead to the speed of information dissemination encourage capital market integration, in which a country's capital market will relate to other countries' capital markets. This study uses a quantitative approach and determines the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) and the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index (DJIMI) as research samples. The method used is GARCH and Sobel test. The study results show that Indonesia's Islamic stock index is integrated with the global Islamic stock index. The index integration relationship is influenced by investors' risk perceptions, where investors' risk perceptions have an asymmetric negative relationship with stock index returns indicating a leverage effect. Meanwhile, investors' perceptions of risk cannot mediate the effect of returns on the integration of Islamic stock indices.

Beyond the dollar: A global perspective on exchange rate dynamics via currency factors

This paper investigates the dynamics of currency exchange rates from a global perspective, by expanding on the concept of currency factors. Through the analysis of G10 currencies, we disclose the interconnections and patterns driving exchange rates, shedding light on the central role of the euro and Swiss franc in shock propagation. Furthermore, we observe that pound and yen factors have acted as net absorbers of spillovers from other currencies. Our findings suggest that currency factors provide valuable insights for international diversification, risk sharing strategies, and real-time indicators of foreign exchange market uncertainty.

The Effect of Diversification Strategy on Corporate Tax Aggressiveness With Board Effectiveness as the Moderating Variable

This research examines the effect of diversification strategy on corporate tax aggressiveness activities with board effectiveness as the moderating variable. This study brings a context of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is argued inducing diversification strategies taken by companies in ASEAN countries. A sample from a developing country, that is, Indonesia, is collected due to this country’s specific characteristics related to tax regimes. Therefore, 246 observations from non-financial listed companies from 2014 to 2016 are used. The findings show that the firms with an international diversification strategy positively associate with corporate tax aggressiveness. On the other hand, companies conducting industrial diversification strategies were found to have ineffective tax management. The study also found an ineffective board of commissioners in the condition of corporate tax aggressiveness and ineffective tax management. This study brings some practical implications that the government needs to evaluate its tax policy while business practitioners must choose a business strategy congruent with tax management.

Cointegration of Asian Developed and Frontier Stock Markets: An investigation of Diversification Opportunities

This study examines the cointegration relationship of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with developed Asian markets (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore). The main objective of the study is to identify potential diversification benefits that exist in Sri Lankan stock market. The stock market indices are Hang Seng Index (HSI), Nikkei 225(N225), Straits Times Index (STI) and All Share Price Index (ASPI). Daily closing prices of stock market indices were selected for the period of 2013- 2019. The main theoretical base forthe stock market integration was the Law of One Price. The Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test used toanalyze data, revealed an insignificant cointegration relationship between CSE and developed stock markets. The ASPI has statistically significant short-run relationships with the STI. HSI and N225 did not provide any evidence of a long-run relationship with the ASPI. A negative insignificant correlation between ASPI and HSI indicates a good combination to have a well-balancedportfolio gain both long and short-run diversification benefits. In conclusion, the non-existence of cointegration among the above stock markets provides opportunities for international diversification of portfolios and possibilities for risk hedging.
 Keywords: Cointegration, Frontier and Developed, Stock Markets, Portfolio Diversification