scholarly journals Cryptocurrencies: applications and investment opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Can Inci ◽  
Rachel Lagasse
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Optimal Portfolio ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Sample Period ◽  
Optimal Portfolios ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Asset Classes

Purpose This study investigates the role of cryptocurrencies in enhancing the performance of portfolios constructed from traditional asset classes. Using a long sample period covering not only the large value increases but also the dramatic declines during the beginning of 2018, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete analysis of the dynamic nature of cryptocurrencies as individual investment opportunities, and as components of optimal portfolios. Design/methodology/approach The mean-variance optimization technique of Merton (1990) is applied to develop the risk and return characteristics of the efficient portfolios, along with the optimal weights of the asset class components in the portfolios. Findings The authors provide evidence that as a single investment, the best cryptocurrency is Ripple, followed by Bitcoin and Litecoin. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies have a useful role in the optimal portfolio construction and in investments, in addition to their original purposes for which they were created. Bitcoin is the best cryptocurrency enhancing the characteristics of the optimal portfolio. Ripple and Litecoin follow in terms of their usefulness in an optimal portfolio as single cryptocurrencies. Including all these cryptocurrencies in a portfolio generates the best (most optimal) results. Contributions of the cryptocurrencies to the optimal portfolio evolve over time. Therefore, the results and conclusions of this study have no guarantee for continuation in an exact manner in the future. However, the increasing popularity and the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies will assist their future presence in investment portfolios. Originality/value This is one of the first studies that examine the role of popular cryptocurrencies in enhancing a portfolio composed of traditional asset classes. The sample period is the largest that has been used in this strand of the literature, and allows to compare optimal portfolios in early/recent subsamples, and during the pre-/post-cryptocurrency crisis periods.

A global investment opportunity in non-listed infrastructure for institutional investors

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jufri Marzuki ◽  
Graeme Newell
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Investors ◽  
Investment Strategy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Portfolio Diversification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Smoothing Effects ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Asset Classes

PurposeInfrastructure investment is one of the few high-calibre real alternative assets with a strong prominence in the portfolios of institutional investors, especially those with a liability-driven investment strategy. This has seen increased institutional investor interest in infrastructure for reasons such as diversification benefits and inflation hedging abilities, resulting in the substantial growth in non-listed and listed investment products offering access to the infrastructure asset class, and complementing the existing route via direct investment. This paper aims to assess the investment attributes of non-listed infrastructure over Q3:2008–Q2:2019, compared with other global listed assets of infrastructure, property, stocks and bonds.Design/methodology/approachQuarterly total returns were derived from the valuation-based MSCI global non-listed quarterly infrastructure asset index over Q2:2008–Q:2019, which were then filtered to decrease the valuation smoothing effects. A similar set of returns data was also collected for the other global asset classes. The average annual return, annual risk, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits for non-listed infrastructure and other asset investment classes were then computed and compared. Lastly, a constrained optimal asset allocation analysis was performed to validate the performance enhancement role of global non-listed infrastructure in a mixed-asset investment framework.FindingsGlobal non-listed infrastructure delivered the strongest average annual total return performance, outperforming the other asset classes and provided investors with total returns that linked strongly with inflation. Global non-listed infrastructure also provided investors with one of the least volatile investment returns because of its ability to ensure predictable total returns delivery. This means that on the Sharpe ratio risk-adjusted return basis, non-listed infrastructure was also the strongest performing asset. This performance was also delivered with significant portfolio diversification benefits with all assets, resulting in non-listed infrastructure contributing to the mixed-asset portfolios across the entire portfolio risk spectrum.Practical implicationsAside from better risk-return trade-offs, institutional investors are getting more secular with their portfolios for alternative assets that are able to provide other investment benefits such as predictable long-term performance and inflation-linked returns. A further improvement in performance and diversification benefits could be achieved by enriching existing investment portfolios with real alternative assets, one of which is the infrastructure asset class. For institutional investors, having exposure to and being part of the development, delivery and management of infrastructure assets are important, as they are one of the few real assets having considerable significance in the context of society, economy and investment needs.Originality/valueThis is the first research paper that empirically investigates the investment attributes of the non-listed infrastructure at a global level. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical decision-making by institutional investors in the infrastructure asset class, especially via the non-listed pathway. The ultimate aim of this paper is to empirically validate the strategic role of non-listed infrastructure as an important alternative asset in the institutional real asset investment space, as well as in the overall portfolio context.

Investment opportunities for student housing in Europe

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 578-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick French ◽  
Geetha Bhat ◽  
Gurpreet Matharu ◽  
Filipe Ortigão Guimarães ◽  
David Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Student Housing ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Requirements ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
Property Markets ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how the demographic of international and home students in the major university cities in three European countries (France, Spain and Germany) offers investors an opportunity to provide students housing. This paper looks at how a mobile and demanding student clientele now demands, well priced, good quality and purpose built accommodation during their studies at University. This offers a good property investment opportunity. Design/methodology/approach This practice briefing is an overview of the demand factors that are creating opportunities in France, Spain and Germany. Findings This paper analyses the link between the under provision of purpose built student housing and an opportunity to develop a long-term cash flow producing investment asset. Practical implications The role of the property developers and investors is to successfully identify trends and demands and provide the assets that meet the market requirements. This paper looks at the meeting point in three major European countries for this latent and, currently, poorly served demand. Originality/value This provides guidance on how investment opportunities develop in non-traditional property markets.

Are stable cryptocurrencies exempted from impossible trinity?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Koutsoupakis
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Price Variation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Us Dollar ◽  
Asset Classes ◽  
Complete Catalogue ◽  
Empirical Framework

PurposeWhile monetary autonomy is self-explanatory for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin with predetermined supply path, it is of great interest to probe into the monetary structures of Stablecoins. In these supply contracts and expands and capital restrictions apply due to the existence of reserves as the exchange rate arrangement adheres to a price rule.Design/methodology/approachEver since the launch of Bitcoin and its offspring, examination of cryptocurrencies' trading activity from the empirical finance viewpoint has received much attention and continues to do so. The particular monetary arrangements found in Stable cryptocurrencies (colloquially referred to as Stablecoins), however, have not been properly (1) classified and (2) studied within an empirical international finance and banking context. This paper provides an empirical framework analogous to Impossible Trinity for exploring monetary arrangements across Stablecoins wherein reserves are held as price stability is targeted.FindingsThe study findings of existence of the degree of achievement along the three dimensions of the Impossible Trinity hypothesis, namely monetary independence, exchange rate stability and financial openness for a representative sample able to cover all varieties of Stablecoins, provide fresh empirical insights and arguments to this growing literature with respect to the success of their embedded exchange rate stabilization mechanisms. While the hypothesis can be supported for all cryptocurrencies in question, the trade-off combination among exchange rate stability, capital openness and monetary independence varies with the categorical types of Stablecoins.Research limitations/implicationsIf Stable cryptocurrencies, therefore, claim the role of global monetary assets freed from sovereign limits and national boundaries, it is critical to explore whether they adhere to traditional monetary frameworks. It goes without saying that in this work the author does not use a complete catalogue of all the available Stablecoins, rather a complete catalogue of all the possible asset classes of Stablecoins. While there is a significant difficulty in finding Algorithmic Stablecoins and, so far, there is plethora of Stable Token initiatives, a broader sample to further examine these under this paper's empirical framework is suggested. Enrichment of the robustness analysis by constructing additional proxies, possibly building time series for the proposed cmo1 subindex and using additional estimation methods is encouraged.Practical implicationsStablecoins have been developed aiming to address the issue of excessive price variation in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Holders of Stablecoins enjoy the combined advantages of using a blockchain-based digital infrastructure in fulfilling the functions of store of value and media of exchange and of using a traditional currency, which merely plays the role of the unit of account (and in some circumstances the trusted reserve to which is convertible to). Understanding the varieties of Stablecoins and quantifying the components for success of their price stabilization may result in designing better Stablecoins.Social implicationsBlockchain and cryptocurrencies have introduced new challenges to money and banking. Cryptocurrencies, which independently float such as Bitcoin, have gained the interest so far due to price variation that allows for gains. But these should be by far not considered to be a substitute to traditional means of payment. Lately, Stablecoins have increasingly gained attention for that USD Tether/Bitcoin pair (a Stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at parity) has outrun the US dollar/Bitcoin pair as the most traded pair in digital exchanges marking the strong position and high demand for Stablecoins.Originality/valueThis approach uncovers the varieties of Stablecoins with respect to their monetary constraints compared to the rest of the cryptocurrencies, which independently float. In this paper, the author provides a conceptual framework for the analysis of the exchange rate mechanisms conditional on Stablecoin asset classes accompanied with an empirical study from the monetary viewpoint. This is the first work in this attempt. The empirical framework employed is analogous to the traditional theory of international monetary economics referred to as Impossible Trinityz.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/JES-06-2020-0279

Landmark buildings and diversification opportunities in the residential market

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Gibilaro ◽  
Gianluca Mattarocci
Keyword(s):  
Asset Allocation ◽  
Time Horizon ◽  
Efficient Frontier ◽  
Diversification Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Return ◽  
Good Investment ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Housing Investments

Purpose This article aims to analyze the performance and risk of landmark building in the housing sector and to evaluate their usefulness for a diversification strategy. Design/methodology/approach After comparing summary statistics on the performance of landmark building with respect to other types of housing investments, the article evaluates their usefulness for a diversification strategy. The role of landmark buildings is studied using the modern portfolio theory and evaluating the role of this type of asset in the optimal asset allocation. The analysis is performed considering both the risk/return trade-off in a one-year and a multiple-year time horizon. Findings The results show that a landmark building can be a good investment opportunity, especially for high-risk/return investors. A not perfect correlation of the returns of this asset class with other types of housing investments implies the existence of a minimum investment in this asset class for almost all portfolios on the efficient frontier. Results are robust with respect to the length of the investment time horizon. Originality/value The article presents a unique analysis of intra-housing market diversification opportunities focusing on the role of landmark building in the portfolio construction. Empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that real estate investors can take advantage of investing in landmark buildings in the residential sector as well because there are no reasons to limit such investments to trophy buildings in the office and commercial sectors.

scholarly journals Lean accounting: a structured literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Figueira Alves ◽  
Julio Vieira Neto ◽  
Daniel Luiz de Mattos de Mattos Nascimento ◽  
Flavio Ezequiel de Andrade ◽  
Guilherme Luz Tortorella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Accounting ◽  
Structured Literature Review

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to perform a review and analyze the literature on lean accounting (LA) to develop insights into how LA research is developing, offering a critique of the research to date and underlining future research opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a structured literature review (SLR) to categorize and analyze 39 research articles from relevant journals with a publication date from 1996 to 2020 (September) and to answer three research questions.FindingsFindings demonstrated that although LA seems to be the most suitable method for lean companies, it still lacks research in terms of the role of accountants in lean organizations as well as how its concepts are integrated with the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).Practical implicationsThe paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights regarding the role of management accounting and accountants in the pursuit of lean transformation, presenting meaningful themes and a complete analysis of the literature along with research gaps for future research.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to lean manufacturing literature by providing a comprehensive SLR of articles regarding LA. Also, the paper serves as a basis for developing future research agendas in management accounting practices for lean organizations.

Bitcoin’s value proposition: shorting expansionary monetary policies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibaut Morillon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Asset ◽  
Thought Process ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Monetary Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Fundamental Value ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Professionals and academics alike hold polarized opinions about Bitcoin’s purpose and its fundamental value. This paper aims to describe Bitcoin’s unique features that make it such an intriguing asset and proposes a new way to consider Bitcoin and its underlying value. Design/methodology/approach In this paper the author discusses Bitcoin’s defining features that make it a unique asset. The author argues that Bitcoin should not be considered as a single purpose asset only, but rather as a new digital financial asset serving several functions, at least partially. The author discusses the role of Bitcoin in the traditional financial system, contrasts Bitcoin to gold, considers the implications of the continuance of expansionary policies on Bitcoin and discusses the impact of the emergence of cryptocurrencies as a new asset class on public policies. Findings In addition to functioning as a means of payment (at least partially) and a diversification tool, part of Bitcoin’s value proposition stems from its worth as a short position on modern expansionary monetary policies. Indeed, Bitcoin’s value should rise if expansionary monetary policies are maintained, amounting to a tool to short these policies, which should be considered in future attempts to value Bitcoin. Originality/value The author adds a new layer to the ongoing thought process by arguing of a function played by Bitcoin unaccounted for thus far by the literature. Additionally, the author describes the features and mechanisms, allowing Bitcoin to play that role.

Bitcoin as a new asset class

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asheer Jaywant Ram
Keyword(s):  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Economic Profile ◽  
Asset Classes ◽  
Sharpe Ratios ◽  
Market Capitalisation ◽  
Class Nature ◽  
Alternative Investment

Purpose Bitcoin is the best-known cryptocurrency which currently holds the largest market capitalisation and is regarded as a standard example of a cryptocurrency. There is, however, no consensus as to the nature of the Bitcoin. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether Bitcoin represents a new asset class by building on prior research. Design/methodology/approach The prior literature on asset classes is explored in detail and then applied to the Bitcoin. Four key criteria of asset classes are discussed, namely, investability, politico-economic profile, correlation of returns and risk-reward profile. Statistical techniques are used to inform the conclusions for the third and fourth criteria. Findings This research finds that the Bitcoin represents a distinct alternative investment and asset class. There are significant opportunities for investment. The politico-economic profile of the decentralised and consensus-based Bitcoin is dissimilar to other asset classes. The Bitcoin shares little or no correlation with other asset classes. Using Sharpe Ratios, it is shown that the Bitcoin provides risk-adjusted returns over and above most asset classes. Research limitations/implications The aim of this research is to present a normative exploration into the asset class nature of the Bitcoin and, as a result, the aim is not to create positivist generalisable conclusions. This paper does not address cryptocurrencies, other than Bitcoin and does not constitute a detailed manual on modern portfolio theory. Originality/value This research adds to finance paradigm research on the Bitcoin by including a developing country perspective on Bitcoin as an asset class as prior studies have concentrated on developed country settings. Further, this research introduces recent economic data (2014 to 2017) in the form of daily observations to enhance prior understanding. It is important to understand if the Bitcoin represents an alternative investment and new asset class as this may affect investment decisions.

Does terrorism hamper FDI inflows? A pre and post 9/11 analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imtiaz Arif ◽  
Amna Sohail Rawat ◽  
Lubna Khan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Sample Period ◽  
Fdi Inflows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Estimates ◽  
Pooled Mean Group ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis research intends to determine the role of terrorism in defying foreign direct investment (FDI) in top terror effected economies.Design/methodology/approachPanel data on FDI and terrorism from top terror effected economies spanning from 1987 to 2018 were used and the relationship for whole sample was investigated. Later the sample period was divided into pre (1987–2001) and post 9/11 (2002–2018) subsample and same relationship was tested to investigate the normalization of terror effect on FDI. The method of Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was used to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results showed a negative but statistically insignificant impact of terrorism on the FDI inflows in the long run. Later the sample period was divided into pre (1987–2001) and post 9/11 (2002–2018) subsample. The empirical estimates for pre and post 9/11 periods indicated a negative and statistically significant relationship between terrorism and FDI for pre 9/11 period, and a negative but statistically insignificant relationship between the two variables for post 9/11 period.Originality/valueThe findings suggest several important policy implications for the terror affected countries and are further discussed in the study.

scholarly journals Optimal portfolio and spending rules for endowment funds

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 671-693
Author(s):  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Francesco Menoncin ◽  
Iqbal Owadally
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Asset Allocation ◽  
Optimal Portfolio ◽  
Dynamic Asset Allocation ◽  
Optimal Portfolios ◽  
Allocation Model ◽  
Hybrid Strategy ◽  
Market Growth ◽  
Long Run

AbstractWe investigate the role of different spending rules in a dynamic asset allocation model for university endowment funds. In particular, we consider the fixed consumption-wealth ratio (CW) rule and the hybrid rule which smoothes spending over time. We derive the optimal portfolios under these two strategies and compare them with a theoretically optimal (Merton) strategy. We show that the optimal portfolio with habit is less risky compared to the optimal portfolio without habit. A calibrated numerical analysis on U.S. data shows, similarly, that the optimal portfolio under the hybrid strategy is less risky than the optimal portfolios under both the CW and the classical Merton strategies, in typical market conditions. Our numerical analysis also shows that spending under the hybrid strategy is less volatile than the other strategies. Thus, endowments following the hybrid spending rule use asset allocation to protect spending. However, in terms of the endowment’s wealth, the hybrid strategy comparatively outperforms the conventional Merton and CW strategies when the market is highly volatile but under-performs them when there is strong stock market growth and low volatility. Overall, the hybrid strategy is effective in terms of stability of spending and intergenerational equity because, even if it allows short-term fluctuation in spending, it ensures greater stability in the long run.

A librarian’s role in media effects health literacy

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill R. Kavanaugh ◽  
Kristelle Lavallee ◽  
Rima Rudd
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Embedded Librarian

Purpose This paper aims to assess a pediatric media health effects’ toolkit from a health literacy perspective. A secondary aim is to highlight the collaborative role of an embedded librarian. Design/methodology/approach The authors assessed ten items from the toolkit in several formats (text, survey and video) using the following health literacy assessment tools: the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, the Suitability Assessment of Materials, the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printed Materials and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio/Visual Materials. Findings Both the toolkit’s readability scores and understandability scores provided a deeper understanding of where improvements to the toolkit need to be made. The review process also highlighted issues with the assessment tools themselves that prevent them from providing a complete analysis of each materials’ readability and suitability. Research limitations/implications This initial assessment of the toolkit will serve as the backbone for additional formative research, revisions and pilot tests, which will be conducted for the toolkit to become a viable, available and usable tool for pediatricians and health-care providers. The insight gleaned from this study serves as an example, for other institutions across fields, of the importance of having professionals, such as librarians, become well-versed in health literacy and offer guidance and insight for the development of health-focused patient materials. Originality/value This project provides further insight into the evolving role of the embedded librarian. As gatekeepers of information with the responsibility of vetting sources, informing the creation of content, and developing resources, the integration of health literacy knowledge is imperative for librarians to further the work of their institutions and aid in the progression of their field.

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