This thesis examines topics in corporate finance and behavioral finance. First, I examine the effects of ownership structure on the amount of firm-specific information in stock prices, measured using synchronicity. With a unique dataset of 6,184 firm-year observations for Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange during 2000-2012, I find evidence of a significant, non-linear relationship between the size of the largest shareholder and synchronicity. Using propensity score matching (PSM) to isolate the effect of family firms on synchronicity, I find no evidence of a significant difference in synchronicity for matched pairs of family and non-family firms. Finally, I find evidence of a negative relationship between firms with multiple large controlling shareholders and synchronicity.
Second, in a co-authored paper with Dr. Richard Deaves (McMaster University) and Dr. Brian Kluger (University of Cincinnati) we investigate the relationship between path-dependent behaviors (i.e., the disposition effect, house money effect and break-even effect) and investor characteristics (e.g., overconfidence and emotional stability) using experimental trading sessions. The majority of our subjects exhibit path-dependent biases and there are significant correlations between these biases. The correlations hint at the possibility that a common underlying factor may be driving all path-dependent behaviors. We also find some evidence that the existence of psychological bias (overconfidence and negative affect) leads to more bias in financial decision-making.
Third, in co-authored work with Dr. Lucy Ackert (Kennesaw State University), Dr. Richard Deaves (McMaster University) and Dr. Quang Nguyen (Middlesex University) we report the results of an experiment designed to explore whether both cognitive ability (IQ) and emotional stability (EQ) impact risk preference and time preference in financial decision-making, finding evidence in support. Specifically, IQ impacts risk preferences and EQ impacts time preferences. Our results are primarily driven by our male participants. Most interestingly, EQ plays a role that is almost as meaningful as IQ when it comes to explaining preferences. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/22116 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Miele, Jennifer |
| Contributors | Deaves, Richard, Finance |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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