The occurrence of market anomalies has been steadily increasing in contemporary stock markets, particularly within the context of the current economic climate. The volatility of stock markets, exacerbated by the recent inflation crisis, has heightened the need for anomaly detection and informed investment decisions. This study focuses on the BIST 100 index in Turkey, specifically examining the XU030 spot market and the XU030D1 futures market, where significant economic fluctuations are prevalent. The Three Sigma Rule was applied to establish threshold values for anomaly detection, and a directional impact analysis was conducted based on these thresholds. The findings indicate that a positive anomaly in the spot market leads to an average increase of 7.65% in the futures market, while a negative anomaly in the spot market results in an average decrease of 8.69% in the futures market. Conversely, a positive anomaly in the futures market has an average positive impact of 7.82% on the spot market, while a negative anomaly in the futures market results in an average negative impact of 3.99% on the spot market. These results underscore the interconnected nature of the spot and futures markets, particularly in times of economic volatility, and provide insights into how anomalies in one market can influence the other. The study’s findings have significant implications for investors, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of market anomalies and their potential directional effects on investment strategies.
This study investigates risk distribution models in the context of auto insurance in emerging markets, with a focus on the National Insurance Company (SAA), regional directorate of Setif, Algeria. The research applies generalized linear models (GLM) and factor analysis to model the frequency of vehicle accidents and their associated risks. A comprehensive approach is employed, beginning with a discussion of the techniques used for data collection and preliminary descriptive analysis. Following this, a theoretical framework is established for understanding the risk distribution models, highlighting the role of GLM in the modelling of accident frequencies within the insurance industry. Different types of factor analysis, including basic coefficient analysis, cross-factor analysis, generalized cross-factor analysis, and mixed factor analysis, are examined in relation to their applicability to insurance risk modelling. Subsequently, generalized linear models are implemented to derive a robust model for accident frequency, utilizing R software for analysis. The results reveal that the pricing system of the National Insurance Company is influenced by multiple, non-deterministic factors, which complicate the prediction of accident rates and insurance costs. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating various risk factors into pricing strategies, rather than relying on deterministic models. The study highlights the necessity of considering a broader range of factors in the development of pricing systems, particularly in emerging markets where data may be incomplete or subject to considerable variability. Furthermore, the use of Mixed Poisson models is suggested as an effective approach for capturing the non-linear relationship between various risk factors and accident occurrence. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of the application of GLM and factor analysis in the auto insurance sector, particularly in emerging markets.
The global iron and steel sector is currently navigating a period marked by significant volatility, driven by rising overcapacity and stagnating demand. In this challenging environment, businesses are increasingly compelled to compete not only within their local markets but also on the international stage, as the global economy becomes ever more interconnected. This necessitates a thorough evaluation of the financial performance of major firms in the iron and steel industry, particularly those listed on the Borsa İstanbul (BIST). Such assessments are critical for informing strategic decision-making within the sector. This study aims to assess the financial performance of prominent iron and steel companies traded on BIST between 2019 and 2023, employing an advanced multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Specifically, an Improved ENTROPY method is combined with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank the fiscal performance of these enterprises. The findings indicate that EREGL stands out as the highest-performing company in terms of financial metrics over the specified period. The study offers valuable insights into the financial health and operational efficiency of iron and steel firms, providing key information for investors and policymakers in the sector. Additionally, the proposed methodology presents a robust framework for the evaluation of corporate performance in other industries facing similar global challenges.
Energy dependency plays a pivotal role in shaping the performance of stock markets, particularly in energy-sensitive indices such as the BIST Industrial Index in Turkey. This study presents a comparative evaluation of traditional statistical models and machine learning (ML) techniques in capturing the complex relationship between energy variables and the BIST Industrial Index. A dataset encompassing energy imports, production levels, and energy prices is utilised to assess the effectiveness of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting (GB) models. The results reveal that ML models substantially outperform traditional statistical methods in their ability to capture nonlinear, intricate relationships between energy metrics and market behaviour. Among the ML models, RF demonstrates the highest predictive accuracy. Feature importance analysis identifies crude oil production as the most significant variable, underscoring the dominant influence of domestic energy dynamics in shaping the BIST Industrial Index. While ML models offer superior forecasting capabilities, they introduce challenges in terms of model interpretability. In contexts where transparency is crucial, statistical models such as OLS remain more favoured for their simplicity and explainability. The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach in model selection, with hybrid models potentially offering the best of both worlds by combining the strengths of traditional and modern methodologies. The insights derived from this study can inform policymakers and investors, particularly within emerging markets, providing a nuanced understanding of the trade-offs between predictive power and model transparency in forecasting energy-sensitive financial indices.
Strategic values play a pivotal role in the long-term success of logistics enterprises, influencing interactions with customers, employees, and stakeholders, and driving sustainable outcomes. In the context of the global logistics sector, the identification and alignment of strategic values are essential for maintaining competitive advantage and fostering resilience. This study systematically investigates the strategic values of the world’s 50 leading logistics companies, focusing on those most strongly associated with sustainable success. Using a qualitative approach, content analysis was employed to evaluate and interpret the strategic documents of these enterprises, revealing key values that contribute significantly to sustainability. Among the values identified, reliability, customer-centricity, and operational efficiency were found to be most influential in ensuring both operational and strategic sustainability. These values were consistently embedded within corporate practices, shaping decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement, and long-term growth strategies. The findings indicate that the integration of sustainability as a core strategic value is critical for enduring success in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market. The results provide valuable insights for both academics and practitioners, offering a framework for logistics companies to refine their strategic management practices and align their operations with sustainable development goals. By highlighting the strategic values that underpin sustainable growth, this study contributes to the understanding of how logistics enterprises can navigate the complex challenges of the modern business environment.
The rapid emergence of blockchain technology has facilitated the rise of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), offering an innovative approach to raising capital for startups and entrepreneurial ventures. Unlike conventional financing, where projects rely on internal resources or traditional external investments, ICOs enable firms to secure funding directly from the public through token sales. As this new form of crowdfunding gains momentum, the structure of national economic and financial systems has been identified as a critical factor influencing the success and performance of ICOs. Recent research has increasingly focused on comparing ICO markets with traditional corporate financing to better understand the dynamics at play. In this study, an econometric model was constructed to investigate how variations in a country’s financial and economic structures shape the fundraising outcomes of ICOs. A sample of 100 startups from diverse countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Austria, and South Africa, was analysed. The ordinary least squares (OLS) method was employed to estimate the model, defined as: Log(funds) = α + β1(fin) + β2(b) + β3(n) + β4(in) + $\in$. The variables represent key economic and financial indicators hypothesised to affect ICO performance, with rigorous statistical tests conducted using R Studio and Excel. Findings are expected to contribute to the growing body of literature by clarifying the extent to which national financial systems either facilitate or hinder the success of ICO fundraising campaigns. This research also provides valuable insights into the evolving role of financial innovation and regulation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a critical role in promoting financial inclusion and driving economic growth, especially in developing economies. However, the prevalence of fraud has increasingly threatened the stability and credibility of these institutions, particularly in Ghana. This study investigates the impact of forensic auditing as a mechanism to mitigate fraud in deposit-taking MFIs, with a focus on the Ghanaian context. Forensic audit, a specialised area of auditing aimed at uncovering financial misconduct, is examined for its effectiveness in reducing fraudulent activities. Data were collected from 92 professional accountants using a purposive sampling method and a structured questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. One hypothesis was formulated to assess the relationship between forensic auditing and fraud reduction, and regression analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that, at a 5% significance level, the coefficient of the dummy variable representing forensic audit implementation was 2.57. This indicates that the reduction of fraud in MFIs implementing forensic audits was, on average, 2.57% higher compared to those without such audits. These findings underscore the importance of forensic auditing in enhancing financial integrity within MFIs and suggest that its mandatory enforcement by shareholders and regulatory bodies could significantly improve investor confidence in the sector. The study contributes to the limited body of research on forensic auditing in the context of Ghana and highlights its potential to strengthen the financial governance of MFIs, thereby promoting their long-term sustainability.
The phenomenon of multiple directorships (MDs) within Boards of Directors of listed entities has garnered increasing attention due to its implications on corporate governance (CG) effectiveness. This study examines the prevalence and major implications of MDs on the governance of Maltese listed entities (MLEs), identifying key determinants and evaluating potential management strategies. A mixed-methods approach is utilized, comprising semi-structured interviews with fourteen directors and company secretaries of MLEs. The findings reveal a significant occurrence of MDs among MLE directors, with impacts that vary based on the number of directorships held, individual circumstances of the directors, and the specific corporate environments of the entities involved. Critical factors contributing to the prevalence of MDs include a limited pool of qualified candidates, directors’ aspirations to serve on multiple boards, and the corporate emphasis on the perceived reputation and quality associated with MD holders. The study highlights that director overcommitment, resulting from MDs, poses potential risks to CG effectiveness. Strategies proposed to mitigate these risks include enhanced nomination committee (NC) reviews, self-assessment mechanisms for board members, and the establishment of more comprehensive guidelines within the CG code specific to directors with MDs. The originality of this research lies in its focus on the unique context of MDs within smaller states like Malta, providing valuable insights into CG enhancement in similar environments. This study offers significant contributions to the literature on MDs and CG, particularly relevant for listed companies in smaller jurisdictions and their stakeholders, by proposing actionable strategies to improve governance practices amidst the challenges posed by MDs.
The increasing global awareness of environmental issues has driven consumers toward eco-friendly products, making green marketing an essential aspect of contemporary business strategy. Originating in the 1980s, the concept of "going green" has significantly evolved, positioning sustainability at the forefront of corporate agendas. Indian companies, in particular, are increasingly adopting green marketing strategies to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and maintain competitiveness in an eco-aware marketplace. However, significant challenges persist, primarily concerning perceived costs and the effectiveness of these strategies. This study aims to critically examine the landscape of green marketing in India, exploring the concept’s evolution, its strategic importance, and the challenges faced by businesses in this domain. By analyzing secondary data from academic literature and credible sources, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of green marketing in India. The findings highlight that the integration of green marketing practices not only enhances corporate competitiveness but also contributes to broader environmental goals. Nevertheless, the successful adoption of these strategies requires overcoming substantial barriers, including misconceptions about financial implications and the need for greater governmental support. The paper concludes that every incremental effort towards environmental sustainability can significantly impact the resolution of contemporary ecological challenges. As such, the incorporation of green marketing strategies represents a logical and necessary progression for companies aiming to achieve long-term sustainability and societal benefits. The promotion of green marketing, supported by governmental incentives, is essential for fostering a greener future for current and future generations.
This study examines the impact of intellectual capital and leverage on profitability, along with their implications for firm value, focusing on healthcare provider companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2018 to 2022. A purposive sampling method was employed, resulting in a sample of seven healthcare provider companies. Secondary data were extracted from the companies' annual reports, with intellectual capital measured using Pulic’s Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) model, leverage assessed through the debt ratio, profitability evaluated via return on equity (ROE), and firm value gauged by the price-to-book ratio (PBR). Multiple and simple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships between these variables. The findings reveal that both intellectual capital and leverage significantly influence profitability, accounting for 69.18% of its variation. Furthermore, profitability is found to significantly impact firm value, explaining 70.79% of its variation. These results indicate that intellectual capital plays a critical role in enhancing profitability, while leverage also contributes to profitability, which in turn, significantly affects firm value. The implications of these findings suggest that healthcare providers in Indonesia could optimize their financial strategies by focusing on intellectual capital and leverage to enhance profitability and, consequently, firm value. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence from the Indonesian healthcare sector and offers insights for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance firm value through strategic financial management.
This study investigates the critical role of corporate governance in facilitating positive organisational transformations and countering the detrimental impacts of egocentric leadership. By embracing a qualitative descriptive methodology, a comprehensive systematic review of literature was conducted, exploring the myriad facets of corporate governance, including its principles, processes, systems, legal frameworks, regulations, and corrective mechanisms. Findings from the review reveal an inverse relationship between robust corporate governance and the prevalence of egocentric leadership. A significant challenge identified is the limitation faced by boards of directors, metaphorically described as being “without a spare wheel”, which hinders their capacity to address these governance challenges effectively in today’s dynamic work environment. Furthermore, conflicts of interest were found to severely compromise the integrity of governance practices. It is recommended that boards failing to rectify non-compliance within their tenure should be subject to dissolution, contingent upon the specifics of the case. Additionally, it is imperative that organisations conduct thorough assessments and reviews of the effectiveness of their corporate governance, enhancing internal controls to enforce governance principles rigorously. This study is pioneering in integrating the transformation of corporate governance while delineating the obstacles encountered, concluding that organisations can promote and uphold exemplary governance by implementing stringent measures against violations and by rewarding adherence among stakeholders.
This investigation addresses the issuance of preference shares by companies listed on the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE), identifying key determinants and obstacles associated with these initiatives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 stakeholders, including representatives from 23 MSE-listed companies (MLCs), one MSE official, two stockbrokers, and an advisor from a leading global accounting firm. An evaluation of the financial distress faced by issuers prior to the issuance of preference shares was also undertaken. Despite the establishment of the MSE in 1992, preference shares have been issued by only two listed companies, indicating their minimal utilization as financial instruments within the Maltese market. The findings reveal that preference shares are primarily issued to meet financing needs, support corporate expansion, prevent control dilution, capitalize on favorable market conditions, maintain balanced capital structures, and enhance debt capacity. However, several barriers hinder the issuance of preference shares, including limitations inherent to the Maltese capital market, low investor interest, perceived complexity, and a general lack of understanding regarding this hybrid financial instrument. The study underscores the necessity for improved educational efforts concerning preference shares and elucidates the distinctive characteristics of the local market.