Role Of Financial Market Development Research Articles

The influence of financial market development on de jure central bank independence in the Asia–Pacific

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of financial development, measured by the ratio of broad money to gross domestic products, on de jure central bank (CB) independence (CBI) in 17 countries in the Asia–Pacific region from 1995 to 2014.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) approach, which is suitable since the CBI equation suffers from contemporaneous correlation, serial correlation and heteroscedasticity.FindingsThe FGLS results suggest a positive association between CBI and financial market development (FMD). This relationship is confirmed when estimating different indicators of de jure CBI and adopting the panel-corrected standard error estimate. However, the statistical significance of FMD is not supported when the ratio of domestic credit to the private sector to GDP is measured.Research limitations/implicationsIt is significant to have a developed financial system to foster a better CBI. Moreover, it is important to measure the influence of financial market players on the operations of a CB.Originality/valueThe financial market in the Asia–Pacific has improved over the years. Hence, the results show the determinants of CBI in the Asia–Pacific, especially the role of FMD.

Moderating Role of Financial Market Development on the Relationship between Stock Liquidity and Dividend

This article aims to investigate the relationship between stock liquidity and dividend across emerging market countries as well as examined the moderating role of financial market development on the relationship between stock liquidity and dividend. Data were obtained from the World Bank and DataStream databases. The study examined 3,258 listed firms from 22 emerging markets to be extrapolated in the emerging market context. To analyse the data, this article used the panel data Tobit model and panel logistic regression, both with random effects. The analysis revealed that financial market development has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between stock liquidity and dividend by improving local market liquidity and mitigating information asymmetry. The study findings provide information for managers to devise investment strategy in the emerging markets. This article provides new insights into the financial market development moderating role on the relationship between stock liquidity and dividend.

Macro-Economic Determinants of High Technology Exports

An evaluation of the outcome of research and development is intrinsic for building a long-term foundation for economic development. The high technology exports are one indicator that can access the outcome of research and development of the economy. This study employed the data of high tech exports of 15 developed and developing economies during 2007-2018. The fixed effect regression estimates were analysed upon, validation of which is enumerated by the Hausman test. Two significant findings that the study implicates are, first, the benefits of an outward-oriented policy that has fewer tariff burdens will result in the promotion of high-tech exports. Secondly, the study is intrigued by the role of financial market development, which in turn is export-oriented, thereby reducing the foreign exchange burden. The enhanced access to financial markets and increased depth has proven to be congenial for high tech exports.

FDI and FPI Determinants in Developing African Countries

We examine drivers of foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in nine selected African economies, during the period 1980 to 2014, with particular interest in the role of financial market development. We set out to explore the drivers of FDI and FPI in selected African countries, respectively. We employ the dynamic GMM methodology to assess the motivators of inward foreign flows. The results show that FDI inflows are generally dependent on past inflows of FDI, low inflation, infrastructural development, and real GDP growth rate; while stock market capitalisation, commercial bank assets gauged against commercial and central bank assets as well as domestic credit to the private sector by banks intermediate for financial market development. On the other hand, we find that FPI inflows are attracted to foreign destinations due to previous FPI inflows, the real exchange rate, inflation rates and the presence of developed infrastructure. Further, developed financial markets, as proxied by stock market capitalisation, were found to significantly and positively influence inward FPI flows, while a closed financial account and low interest rate discouraged FPI. The significant contribution of this paper is that its findings empirically confirm FDI and FPI theory, as postulated in Dunning’s eclectic paradigm insofar as the main “location” variables that enhance host country attractiveness are concerned, specifically in the African context. In light of these findings, we recommend that policy makers strengthen their domestic markets, complemented by appropriate regulations and institutions to attract foreign investment flows, while reducing their dependency on international aid and loans.

FDI and FPI Determinants in Developing African Countries

We examine drivers of foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in nine selected African economies, during the period 1980 to 2014, with particular interest in the role of financial market development. We set out to explore the drivers of FDI and FPI in selected African countries, respectively. We employ the dynamic GMM methodology to assess the motivators of inward foreign flows. The results show that FDI inflows are generally dependent on past inflows of FDI, low inflation, infrastructural development, and real GDP growth rate; while stock market capitalisation, commercial bank assets gauged against commercial and central bank assets as well as domestic credit to the private sector by banks intermediate for financial market development. On the other hand, we find that FPI inflows are attracted to foreign destinations due to previous FPI inflows, the real exchange rate, inflation rates and the presence of developed infrastructure. Further, developed financial markets, as proxied by stock market capitalisation, were found to significantly and positively influence inward FPI flows, while a closed financial account and low interest rate discouraged FPI. The significant contribution of this paper is that its findings empirically confirm FDI and FPI theory, as postulated in Dunning’s eclectic paradigm insofar as the main “location” variables that enhance host country attractiveness are concerned, specifically in the African context. In light of these findings, we recommend that policy makers strengthen their domestic markets, complemented by appropriate regulations and institutions to attract foreign investment flows, while reducing their dependency on international aid and loans.

Foreign direct investment and business start-up in developing countries: The role of financial market development

Abstract This paper investigates whether financial market development has an impact on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and business start-up, which is a salient feature of entrepreneurship. In a panel of 92 developing countries, the paper finds that the ability of FDI to crowd-in business start-ups significantly depends on financial market development in the host economy. Based on the results, there is a threshold level of financial market development above which FDI crowds-in new businesses. Improving financial conditions in developing countries where they are unfavorable is therefore an important precondition for facilitating the positive externalities from FDI inflows which stimulate entrepreneurship. The results also support the policy propositions that a good regulatory environment and higher growth in income per capita are important for enhancing entrepreneurship.

Causality between FDI and Financial Market Development: Evidence from Emerging Markets

This paper studies the causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and financial market development (FMD) using panel data from emerging markets. Most studies of the relationship between FDI and FMD have focused on the role of FMD in the link between FDI and economic growth, with no deep understanding of direct causality between FDI and FMD, especially in emerging markets, where financial markets are in the development stage. We document bidirectional causality between FDI and stock market development indicators. For banking sector development indicators, the relationship is ambiguous and inconclusive. Care is therefore needed when analysing the relationship between FMD and FDI, as results may depend on whether the FMD variables used to evaluate causality are stock market or banking sector development indicators.

Corporate financial policies in emerging markets: the role of financial market development

Purpose – The paper aims to study the importance of financial market development and financial structure in explaining the financial policies of firms in emerging market countries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a panel data of 32 countries and the system generalized method of moments approach. Findings – The analysis shows that stock market development is associated with higher use of external finance relative to internal finance, while bond market development is associated with lower use of external finance relative to internal finance. The findings of this study also indicate that stock market development tends to shift the policies of firms towards less debt and more equity, and bond market development is associated with higher debt and less equity in emerging economies. Originality/value – The value of this study is in respect of its contribution to the extant literature on corporate financial policies in emerging market economies.

Financial deepening and business cycle volatility in Korea

This article investigates the role of financial market development on business cycle volatility in the economy of Korea, using time-series data for the period 1967 to 2010. The financial market development and business cycle volatility are measured by three different variables of financial deepening and a moving-average SD of real GDP, respectively. We construct a long-run causality index, as suggested by Granger and Lin (1995), in the context of cointegrated systems and vector error correction model. The estimates indicate that the measures of financial deepening, related to the role of financial institutions, mitigate cyclical fluctuations in the long run, whereas the reverse impacts are rarely evidenced. However, ‘the ratio of M2 to nominal GDP’ as a measure of financial deepening has an intensifying effect on business cycle. Based on the findings, we can infer that financial market reforms will not decrease business cycle volatility quickly.

Do Financial Market Lead to Economic Growth? A Causality Test in Jordan

This study investigates empirically into the acclaimed positive role played financial market leading growth, with evidence from the Jordan financial market. Utilising, several econometric techniques models, such as unit root test, co-integration test and formal tests of causality developed by C.J. Granger and yearly Jordan data for the period 1980-2012. Results show that both Engle-Granger and Johansen co-integration test support the view that there is a short-run and long-run relationship between financial market development and economic growth in Jordan. On the other hand, there was no evidence to support the view that financial market in Jordan is a leading sector in the process of the country’s economic development. In particular, the causality relationship between financial market development and economic growth in Jordan is bi-directional. Higher development in the financial market causes higher real economic growth. High economic growth in turn promotes development in the financial market. This study’s results will be useful in reaching policy decisions to develop financial markets to increase economic growth in developing countries or/ emerging economies, in general, and within Jordan, in particular. Furthermore, providing empirical evidence regarding this critical issue within specific emerging economies will add to the literature on financial market related to the role of financial market development and its influence on economic growth and, thus, initiate an exciting topic for research.

Causality between FDI and Financial Market Development: Evidence from Emerging Markets

This paper studies the causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and financial market development (FMD) using panel data from emerging markets. Most studies of the relationship between FDI and FMD have focused on the role of FMD in the link between FDI and economic growth, with no deep understanding of direct causality between FDI and FMD, especially in emerging markets, where financial markets are in the development stage. We document bidirectional causality between FDI and stock market development indicators. For banking sector development indicators, the relationship is ambiguous and inconclusive. Care is therefore needed when analysing the relationship between FMD and FDI, as results may depend on whether the FMD variables used to evaluate causality are stock market or banking sector development indicators.

Development of a Regional Merged Financial Market and Economic Growth for the African Economic and Monetary Community (AEMC): An Approach to the Conflict Resolution Between DSX and CASE Using the NYSE-EURONEXT Model

The role of financial market development in economic growth is one of the most controversial and explored problems in the theory of economics. Levine and other economists’ research seem to confirm the statistically significant relationships between financial market development and economic growth. Financial market seems to be the best financial tool in ensuring liquidity in economy, appropriation of financial claims, mobilization of part of national income above current expenditure for investment purposes, allocation of capital in economy, the risk sharing mechanism. With the globalization of economies, technology development and many other factors, companies need more assets in order to increase their capital, so that they can be competitive. Some research confirmed that in the nineteenth century, for the first time in history, many private investment projects were so large that they could no longer be financed by individuals or from retained profits (Hicks, 1969). Thus the financial market is very important for companies when money is needed to acquire new investment and increase their capital. The financial stock market can be considered as the main resource funding for developing countries’ economic growth. Walter Bagehot (1873) argued that it was England’s efficient capital markets that made the industrial revolution possible. Joseph Schumpeter (1912)’s book was the most important and thorough one of the earlier contribution on financial development and economic development. For him, financial development causes economic development – that financial markets promote economic growth by funding entrepreneurs and in particular by channeling capital to the entrepreneurs with high return projects. There exists an overwhelming consensus that well-functioning financial intermediaries have played a significant role in economic growth (King and Levine, 1993 (a, b); Levine and Zervos, 1998; Levine et al, 2000 (a, b); Seetanah 2008 among others). According to several economist, financial stock market should theoretically increase saving (by enhancing the set of financial instruments available to savers to diversify their portfolios) and efficiently allocate capital to productive investments; which eventually leads to an increase in the rate of economic growth.

International Reserves and Underdeveloped Capital Markets

International reserve accumulation by developing countries is just one example of the puzzling behavior of international capital flows. Capital should flow to where its return is highest, which ought to be where capital is scare. Yet recent data suggest the opposite Ð net capital flows from developing countries to industrialized countries. This paper examines the role of financial market development in the accumulation of international reserves. In countries with underdeveloped capital markets the governmentOs accumulation of reserves may substitute for what would otherwise be private sector capital outflows. Effectively, these governments are acting as financial intermediaries, channeling domestic savings away from local uses and into international capital markets, thereby offsetting the effects of domestic financial constraints that lead to excessive private sector exposure to potential capital shortfalls. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Why Do Foreigners Invest in the United States?

Why are foreigners willing to invest almost $2 trillion per year in the United States? The answer affects if the existing pattern of global imbalances can persist and if the United States can continue to finance its current account deficit without a major change in asset prices and returns. This paper tests various hypotheses and finds that standard portfolio allocation models and diversification motives are poor predictors of foreign holdings of U.S. liabilities. Instead, foreigners hold greater shares of their investment portfolios in the United States if they have less-developed financial markets. The magnitude of this effect decreases with income per capita. Countries with fewer capital controls and greater trade with the United States also invest more in U.S. equity and bond markets, and there is no evidence that foreigners invest in the United States based on diversification motives. The empirical results showing a primary role of financial market development in driving foreign purchases of U.S. portfolio liabilities supports recent theoretical work on global imbalances.

Why Do Foreigners Invest in the United States?

Why are foreigners willing to invest almost $2 trillion per year in the United States? The answer affects if the existing pattern of global imbalances can persist and if the United States can continue to finance its current account deficit without a major change in asset prices and returns. This paper tests various hypotheses and finds that standard portfolio allocation models and diversification motives are poor predictors of foreign holdings of U.S. liabilities. Instead, foreigners hold greater shares of their investment portfolios in the United States if they have less developed financial markets. The magnitude of this effect decreases with income per capita. Countries with fewer capital controls and greater trade with the United States also invest more in U.S. equity and bond markets, and foreign investors chase returns in their purchases of U.S. equities (although not bonds). The empirical results showing a primary role of financial market development in driving foreign purchases of U.S. portfolio liabilities supports recent theoretical work on global imbalances.

Financial Development and Intersectoral Allocation: A New Approach

ABSTRACTThis paper uses a new methodology based on industry comovement to examine the role of financial market development in intersectoral allocation. Based on the assumption that there exist common global shocks to growth opportunities, we hypothesize that country pairs should have correlated patterns of sectoral growth if they are able to respond to these shocks. Consistent with financial markets promoting responsiveness to shocks, countries have more highly correlated growth rates across sectors when both countries have well‐developed financial markets. This effect is stronger between country pairs at similar levels of economic development, which are more likely to experience similar growth shocks.

Multinational Affiliates and Local Financial Markets

We use data on the sources of debt finance of U.S. majority-owned foreign affiliates in 53 countries over the period 1983 to 2001 to examine the role of financial market development, and exposure to host country-specific risk on the financing choices of these affiliates. We find that total balance sheets are about four times as large as the cross-border component of foreign direct investment (FDI). The extent of financial leverage through local debt is positively related to host-country corporate tax rates, exchange rate variability, local currency-denominated sales, and financial development. Factors that further the role of local debt reduce that of parent company debt, and through this substitution overall leverage increases.

Multinational Affiliates and Local Financial Markets

We use data on the sources of debt finance of U.S. majority-owned foreign affiliates in 53 countries over the period 1983 to 2001 to examine the role of financial market development, and exposure to host country-specific risk on the financing choices of these affiliates. We find that total balance sheets are about four times as large as the cross-border component of foreign direct investment (FDI). The extent of financial leverage through local debt is positively related to host-country corporate tax rates, exchange rate variability, local currency-denominated sales, and financial development. Factors that further the role of local debt reduce that of parent company debt, and through this substitution overall leverage increases.

Financial markets and the financing choice of firms: Evidence from developing countries

We study the role of financial market development in the financing choice of firms in developing countries using a dynamic panel approach with aggregate firm-level data. The results suggest that equity market development favors firms' equity financing over debt financing, while banking sector development favors debt financing over equity financing, as one would expect. However, surprisingly, equity markets exhibit somewhat stronger influence in the short run than they do over the long run. Results from the dynamic panel model show that if both elements of the financial sector develop simultaneously, the long-run debt–equity ratio, while rising, will converge to a stable value.

Multinational Affiliates and Local Financial Markets

We use data on the sources of debt finance of U.S. majority-owned foreign affiliates in 53 countries over the period 1983 to 2001 to examine the role of financial market development, and exposure to host country-specific risk on the financing choices of these affiliates. We find that total balance sheets are about four times as large as the cross-border component of foreign direct investment (FDI). The extent of financial leverage through local debt is positively related to host-country corporate tax rates, exchange rate variability, local currency-denominated sales, and financial development. Factors that further the role of local debt reduce that of parent company debt, and through this substitution overall leverage increases.