Suchergebnisse

We studied the cross-correlations in the daily closing prices of 181 stocks listed on the Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) covering a time period of 2007–2017 to compute the threshold networks and minimum spanning trees. In addition to the full sample analysis, our study uses three subsamples to examine the structural change and topological evolution before, during, and after the global financial crisis of 2008. We also apply Shannon entropy on the overall sample to measure the volatility of individual stocks. Our results find substantial clustering and a crisis-like less stable overall market structure, given the external and internal events of terrorism, political, financial, and economic crisis for Pakistan. The subsample results further reveal hierarchal scale-free structures and a reconfigured metastable market structure during a postcrisis period. In addition, time varying topological measures confirm the evidence of the presence of several star-like structures, the shrinkage of tree length due to crisis-related shocks, and an expansion in the recovery phase. Finally, changes of the central node of minimum spanning trees (MSTs), the volatile stock recognition using Shannon entropy, and the topology of threshold networks will help local and international investors of Pakistan Stock Exchange limited (PSX) to manage their portfolios or regulators to monitor the important nodes to achieve stability and to predict an upcoming crisis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic variables on the profitability of banks in Pakistan. This study applied the two-step generalized method of momentum (GMM) system estimator on an unbalanced dynamic panel of 28 banks over the latest period 2007-2016. The robust results reveal that the bank's profitability in Pakistan is explained by size, higher solvency, financial structure, operating cost, labor productivity, market power, and economic growth. We also found an inverted U-shape relationship between banks size and profitability. Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was applied to evaluate the impact of market power and found results in support of Structure Conduct Hypothesis. On the other hand, credit quality, operational efficiency, banking sector development, inflation, and industry concentration are found to be negatively and significantly related to the profitability of banks. Further, this study found lower profitability of banks during the government transition. The Mean comparison of profitability indicates that specialized banks (SB) in Pakistan are generating higher net interest margin (NIM) than all commercial banks (ACB). However, the empirical results of this study are robust and consistent with previous literature.

The study assesses the effect of terrorism which causes political instability on economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study uses panel data of 33 Sub-Saharan countries from 2000 to 2014. The study used panel data methodologies such as multiple regression methods and generalized linear models. The study concluded that political instability directly affects economic development and any potential rise in political turmoil in any Sub-Saharan African country will lead to a negative effect on their economic development. In conclusion, the act of terrorism and violence causing political instability hampers the peace and tranquility of a country and also retard growth as well as development. Therefore, it will be paramount and pertinent for governments to ensure peace prevails in their respective countries to promote social and economic development.

To examine the interdependency and evolution of Pakistan's stock market, we consider the cross-correlation coefficients of daily stock returns belonging to the blue chip Karachi stock exchange (KSE-100) index. Using the minimum spanning tree network-based method, we extend the financial network literature by examining the topological properties of the network and generating six minimum spanning tree networks around three general elections in Pakistan. Our results reveal a star-like structure after the general elections of 2018 and before those in 2008, and a tree-like structure otherwise. We also highlight key nodes, the presence of different clusters, and compare the differences between the three elections. Additionally, the sectorial centrality measures reveal economic expansion in three industrial sectors-cement, oil and gas, and fertilizers. Moreover, a strong overall intermediary role of the fertilizer sector is observed. The results indicate a structural change in the stock market network due to general elections. Consequently, through this analysis, policy makers can focus on monitoring key nodes around general elections to estimate stock market stability, while local and international investors can form optimal diversification strategies.

The study contributes to the existing literature on intellectual capital (IC) performance and profitability by extending evidence from Pakistan. The study examines the impact of IC performance on the profitability of Pakistani financial institutions. It further examines how corporate governance, bank specific, industry specific, and country specific indicators effect Pakistani banks' profitability. The result reports both the linear and non-linear impact of IC performance on profitability, which affirms an inverted U-shaped relationship. Among the three value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) components, capital employed efficiency (CEE), and human capital efficiency (HCE) are found to have a significantly positive and structural capital efficiency (SCE) is found to have a significantly negative impact on bank profitability. The study notes a positive impact on profitability of factors like board independence, directors' compensation, and higher capitalization. It reports a negative impact on profitability of factors like board size, board meetings, credit risk, industry concentration and economic growth. The results also indicate low profitability of banks during the period of government transition. The study provides insights into the important profitability drives and suggests that the impact of investment in IC on profitability is limited to an extent. The findings of this study are likely to be useful for policy makers, management, and academics.