Competition and Convergence in Financial Markets

Competition and Convergence in Financial Markets
Author: Stanley W. Black
Publisher: Emerald Group Pub Limited
Total Pages: 406
Release: 1998-01-01
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780444827760

As Europe prepares for the introduction of a common currency, financial market players are moving to adapt to a new environment in which financial markets and institutions will be much more open to cross-border competition. Two different financial systems are responding to the challenges of more competition: the more institution-oriented German-style and the more market-oriented Anglo-American style. Each type of financial system offers its own strengths and weaknesses. The German system is noted for fostering a long-term outlook and steady relationships between borrowers and lenders in an environment of financial and macroeconomic stability. The Anglo-American system is thought of as providing a more favourable environment for startup firms to obtain market financing, as well as more attractive returns to investors and a more dynamic market for corporate control. On the other hand, the Anglo-American system is faulted for its short-term outlook and lack of attention to other than shareholder concerns, while the German system has been criticized as lacking in innovation and attention to shareholders. The overall conclusions of this volume are: (1) each type of financial system has strengths and weaknesses, and each can learn from the other in mending its own faults; (2) the globalization of financial markets, the inadequacy of existing pension arrangements, and the monetary unification of Europe are all driving each system towards a middle ground which adopts the advantages of the universal bank and the strengths of the open financial market.

Corporate Governance, Financial Markets and Global Convergence

Corporate Governance, Financial Markets and Global Convergence
Author: Morten Balling
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 358
Release: 2013-11-11
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1475726333

for many years been heavily dependent on bank financing, and this situation has not changed fundamentally. In his paper on stock exchange governance in the European Union Guido Ferrarini discusses the relative merits of member and investor ownership and compares stock exchange regulation in a number of EU countries. Faced with increasing competition amongst themselves and against other enterprises that offer transaction services, such as proprietary trading systems, it is essential for European stock exchanges to improve their efficiency and to generate volume. Large investments in new information technology are necessary in order to preserve competitiveness in agIobaI financial market. The implementation of the ISD has accelerated cross-border transaction activity of member firms and investors and strengthened the pressure for convergence of national stock exchange laws in the EU. In their paper, Francesco Giavazzi and Marco Battaglini look at the role played by banks in privatization processes. Banks can be involved in such processes in several ways. They may themselves be the objects of privatization since in many countries a significant fraction of the banking industry is publicly owned. This is the case in France, Spain and Italy. But banks can also be important buyers of the equity of industrial firms sold by the government if they are allowed to do so. The authors characterize privatizations as a very good opportunity to set up the right environment for the development of new financial intermediaries and in general for asound corporate governance system.

Information and Learning in Markets

Information and Learning in Markets
Author: Xavier Vives
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2010-01-25
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 140082950X

The ways financial analysts, traders, and other specialists use information and learn from each other are of fundamental importance to understanding how markets work and prices are set. This graduate-level textbook analyzes how markets aggregate information and examines the impacts of specific market arrangements--or microstructure--on the aggregation process and overall performance of financial markets. Xavier Vives bridges the gap between the two primary views of markets--informational efficiency and herding--and uses a coherent game-theoretic framework to bring together the latest results from the rational expectations and herding literatures. Vives emphasizes the consequences of market interaction and social learning for informational and economic efficiency. He looks closely at information aggregation mechanisms, progressing from simple to complex environments: from static to dynamic models; from competitive to strategic agents; and from simple market strategies such as noncontingent orders or quantities to complex ones like price contingent orders or demand schedules. Vives finds that contending theories like informational efficiency and herding build on the same principles of Bayesian decision making and that "irrational" agents are not needed to explain herding behavior, booms, and crashes. As this book shows, the microstructure of a market is the crucial factor in the informational efficiency of prices. Provides the most complete analysis of the ways markets aggregate information Bridges the gap between the rational expectations and herding literatures Includes exercises with solutions Serves both as a graduate textbook and a resource for researchers, including financial analysts

Integrating Europe's Financial Markets

Integrating Europe's Financial Markets
Author: Mr.Jörg Decressin
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2007-09-12
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1589066235

By and large, EU financial integration has been a success story. Still, the reform agenda is far from finished. What are the remaining challenges? What are the gains of closer financial market integration? This IMF book tracks the European Union's journey along the path to a single financial market and identifies the challenges and priorities that remain ahead. It pays particular attention to the most recent integration efforts in the European Union following the introduction of the euro. The study looks at the importance of financial integration, in particular for economic growth, the interplay between banks and markets, and equity market integration. It closely examines the relationship between financial integration and financial stability. This interaction presents the European Union with a challenge, but also with the opportunity to play a pioneering role in developing a regional approach to financial stability that could provide lessons for the rest of the world.

Developing Countries and the Globalization of Financial Markets

Developing Countries and the Globalization of Financial Markets
Author: Mr.Malcolm D. Knight
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Total Pages: 32
Release: 1998-07-01
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1451852797

This paper analyzes the impact of the globalization of financial markets on developing and transition economies. Differences between the responses of competitive and imperfectly competitive banking sectors cause them to affect economic activity differently. While nonbank financial markets and institutions can help to increase the competitiveness of banking sectors, there are “gaps” in the institutions and market structures of developing and transition economies. Eliminating these gaps may reinforce financial market discipline in these countries. Some current international initiatives are outlined for enhancing financial system soundness; these emphasize the complementary roles of market discipline and official oversight in an environment of globalized markets.

Financial Market Integration and Growth

Financial Market Integration and Growth
Author: Paul J.J. Welfens
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 411
Release: 2011-02-14
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 3642162746

Financial capital, whether mediated through the financial market or Foreign Direct Investment has been a key factor in European economic growth. This book examines the interaction between European and global financial integration and analyses the dynamics of the monetary sector and the real economy in Europe. The key analytical focus is on the theoretical and empirical dynamics of financial markets in Europe, however, it also provides regional case studies of key institutional developments and lessons from foreign direct investment. There is a broad range of findings for Central, Eastern and Western Europe as well as EU Partner Countries. Crucially the analysis includes new approaches and options for solving the transatlantic banking crisis and suggests policy innovations for a world with unstable financial markets.

Elements of the Euro Area

Elements of the Euro Area
Author: Mauro Grande
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 449
Release: 2018-10-26
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0429828462

First published in 2005, this volume considers that, as time elapses since the introduction of the Euro, it is legitimate to start asking what impact the new currency and the single monetary policy have had on European integration. This book provides the most comprehensive review of financial integration in the euro area. The volume includes an introduction to the institutional features of the euro area and the literature on financial integration. It examines developments in the financial structures at large and moves forward to focus on specific areas pertaining to financial intermediaries, the bond and equity markets, and market-based debt finance. It is particularly suited to researchers and students of developments in the euro area, central banking, money and banking, as well as international relations and international business more generally. While the introductory chapters will help in bringing undergraduates on board, the later chapters will particularly benefit the early graduate student as well as the professional observer.

Financial Development, Integration and Stability

Financial Development, Integration and Stability
Author: Klaus Liebscher
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Total Pages: 570
Release: 2007-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1847203035

Financial industries in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe have undergone dramatic changes over the past decade. Foreign direct investment contributed to the development of market-oriented banking and financial systems able to support the rapid pace of economic growth in these countries. Policymakers, academics and private sector analysts have contributed to this volume with their stimulating insights on a broad range of issues, from recent credit booms to the cross-border integration of banking and capital markets. Anyone who wants to understand how finance, growth and financial stability interact in transition economies should read this book. Mario Draghi, Governor of the Banca d Italia and Chairman of the Financial Stability Forum This book highlights the achievements and challenges of the ongoing process of financial integration in Europe. The financial integration of Europe is both welcomed as an economic driving force and watched with concern as a source of potential stability. After all, changing financial, regulatory and corporate ownership structures are fuelling competition, capital mobility and financial intermediation, but at the same time creating new systemic risks. With a special focus on Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the contributors to this book explore a wide spectrum of underlying issues, including the finance-growth nexus, credit boom patterns, the implications of foreign bank entry modes, lessons learned from old EU member states and commercial bank strategies. Authoritative views from central bank officials and policymakers are complemented with a special focus on empirical and econometric evidence from academia as well as practical insights from key financial market players. This unique collection will be of great interest to economists and experts in the fields of financial markets and European integration from central, commercial and investment banks, governments, international organizations, universities and research institutes.

Price Convergence in the Enlarged Internal Market

Price Convergence in the Enlarged Internal Market
Author: Christian Dreger
Publisher:
Total Pages: 103
Release: 2007
Genre: Europe
ISBN: 9789279046452

The studies' main aim is to investigate the effects of the EU-10 enlargement on price convergence within the Internal Market. It distinguishes between the opposite forces provided by: (1) the catching up effect of the EU-10, expected to lead to a rise in price levels; and (2) increased competitiveness pressure on prices expected to lower price levels due to lower mark ups of prices over marginal costs. The study is based on comparative price levels for the EU-25, covering the period 1999-2004. Distinct variables were identified as proxies for the catching-up and competition forces. The following analysis proceeded in two steps. First, it is examined whether price convergence has occurred and, second, what are its main drivers. The results confirm the presence of price convergence. This process is particularly visible in the case of basic headings, most likely because they are related to more homogeneous products. Moreover, both catching up and competition have been important factors for explaining price convergence. In addition, both effects seem to be more pronounced for the EU-10 than for the EU-15.