Bias Estimation of Linear Regression Model with Autoregressive Scheme using Simulation Study

In regression modeling, first-order auto correlated errors are often a problem, when the data also suffers from independent variables. Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimation is no longer the best alternative to Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The Monte Carlo simulation illustrates that regression estimation using data transformed according to the GLS method provides estimates of the regression coefficients which are superior to OLS estimates. In GLS, we observe that in sample size $200$ and $\sigma$=3 with correlation level $0.90$ the bias of GLS $\beta_0$ is $-0.1737$, which is less than all bias estimates, and in sample size $200$ and $\sigma=1$ with correlation level $0.90$ the bias of GLS $\beta_0$ is $8.6802$, which is maximum in all levels. Similarly minimum and maximum bias values of OLS and GLS of $\beta_1$ are $-0.0816$, $-7.6101$ and $0.1371$, $0.1383$ respectively. The average values of parameters of the OLS and GLS estimation with different size of sample and correlation levels are estimated. It is found that for large samples both methods give similar results but for small sample size GLS is best fitted as compared to OLS.

Cost of corruption and efficiency in employment of firms: The case in Vietnam

This paper examines the impact of corruption on employers' efficiency in Vietnamese firms. The Generalized Least Square (GLS) estimation method was used for data sets surveyed for Vietnamese firms in 63 localities. The research results show that the unofficial costs in the industry and the total informal costs accounting for 10% or more of revenue will negatively affect the labor efficiency of these enterprises. For costs related to administrative procedures, businesses accept to pay these fees in order to save waiting time and it contributes to increase the efficiency of employers in businesses. In addition to the corruption factor, the study also shows that the number of employees, the location of operation, the average value of fixed assets per employee and the return on equity also affect the efficiency of use. employees in Vietnamese enterprises.

Business group opportunism: the difference in real earnings management between parent firms and nonparent firms

PurposeThis paper aims to understand real earnings management behavior in the context of a parent–subsidiary relationship. It explores the differences between business groups and firms that do not have controlled subsidiaries and provides potential explanations for any measured difference.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the random-effects generalized least squares (GLS) estimation to find the difference between the real earnings management behavior of business groups, represented by the ultimate parent firms and the nonparent firms from 73 countries.FindingsThe results show that ultimate parent firms have lower abnormal production costs and abnormal discretionary expenses than nonparent firms. In contrast, parent firms have higher abnormal cash flow from operations (CFO) than nonparent firms. The results are unexpected because abnormal production costs usually have a dominant direct relationship with abnormal CFO. The results indicate that business groups use a route different from manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses.Research limitations/implicationsThe results reveal that parent firms use a route different from manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses. The results can be used to extend the discussion to specific business group cases, such as tracing the route or allocation of real earnings management (REM) pressure from a parent firm to its listed and private subsidiaries, and if the consolidation of minority voting rights and the transitivity of control affect the behavior in its subsidiaries.Originality/valueInstead of the degree of diversification or affiliation, this paper investigates REM behavior based on the parent firm's control of its subsidiaries. With this approach, the study argues that business groups prefer a route other than manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses. The results may redirect the attention of regulators to the activities of parent firms that need more policing.

Double Taxation Treaties as a Catalyst for Trade Developments: A Comparative Study of Vietnam’s Relations with ASEAN and EU Member States

Employing a panel gravity model and Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimation technique, this study documents the effect of double taxation treaties on the bilateral trade of Vietnam with ASEAN member states, thereby making an extensive comparison with its EU partner countries. Our findings indicate the significant contributions of the tax treaties to Vietnam’s trade performance, not exclusively with ASEAN but also with EU partner countries. Nevertheless, under some circumstances, the conclusion of tax treaties seems ineffective in strengthening export capacity or narrowing trade deficits for Vietnam. This is primarily due to the unidirectional movement of trade associated with tax treaty conditions, viz., imports from the advanced economies into Vietnam. Besides, the role of tax treaties as a dynamism of Vietnam’s export growth remains opaque during recent years.

Inference with Difference-in-Differences Revisited

A growing literature on inference in difference-in-differences (DiD) designs has been pessimistic about obtaining hypothesis tests of the correct size, particularly with few groups. We provide Monte Carlo evidence for four points: (i) it is possible to obtain tests of the correct size even with few groups, and in many settings very straightforward methods will achieve this; (ii) the main problem in DiD designs with grouped errors is instead low power to detect real effects; (iii) feasible GLS estimation combined with robust inference can increase power considerably whilst maintaining correct test size – again, even with few groups, and (iv) using OLS with robust inference can lead to a perverse relationship between power and panel length.

Salary differences under the salary cap in Major League Soccer

Professional soccer is the world’s most popular sport; a number of National Leagues are under the control of National Associations. The economic theory behind soccer is the continuing competition to earn much more than other sports do in the sports market. Since the supply of talent is limited, teams’ demand for certain professionals is so strong that it leads to salary differences between players. Therefore, in this study, attention is given to the determinants of the differences in workers’ salaries in the Major League Soccer labor market using Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimation on panel data from 2007 to 2016. Birth place is the most influential determinant of a player’s salary, along with a player’s position, a player’s age, whether the player has a national team duty, and the number of games in which the player started in the first eleven. Conversely, moving from one Major League Soccer team to another and the number of games played as a substitute have a negative effect on players’ salaries.

PREDICTABILITY AND PREDICTORS OF VOLATILITY SMIRK: A STUDY ON INDEX OPTIONS

The purpose of this study is to examine the presence of volatility smirk anomaly in index options and its predictability for future returns. The study tests the temporal properties of volatility smirk and further explores the factors determining the anomaly. The daily volatility smirk is computedfor the period 2004–2014 and the first lag of smirk is used in generalized least square (GLS) estimation framework, with set of control variables in two different specifications, to test the predictability as well as the determinants of volatility smirk. The study reports significant presence of volatility smirk in index options with an auto–regressive structure. Smirk predicts marginal returns and the predictability is robust to the control of major risk factors. It is also found that open interest of calls and puts, along with market risk premium and momentum premium, act as significant predictor of volatility smirk. The results are helpful in enhancing returns on investment in Index based funds and designing options strategies from the perspective of volatility risk. The study is first of its kind in the Indian market examining the reasons and consequences of existence of volatility smirk in index options.