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Political risk and financial flexibility in BRICS countries

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  • Gregory, Richard P.

Abstract

Using a dataset of 7757 firms in Brazil, China, India, and Russia from 2009 to 2014, this article examines the effect of political risk variables on financial flexibility and the effects of financial flexibility on future firm value, capital investment, cash holdings and the probability of default while controlling for firm-level effects and political variables. Effective representation of the majority is found to be associated with a higher level of financial flexibility. In terms of the effects of financial flexibility on firm value, results that are much stronger than previously reported are found. However, unlike previous work, the current research does not find that increased financial flexibility leads to increased capital expenditures. It is found that financially flexible firms in these countries lower their probability of default on average by about 0.6 %. It is also found that giving greater voice to the majority and greater adherence to the rule of law adds to the value of firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory, Richard P., 2020. "Political risk and financial flexibility in BRICS countries," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 166-174.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:quaeco:v:78:y:2020:i:c:p:166-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.qref.2020.01.011
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    Cited by:

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    2. Saona, Paolo & San-Martin, Pablo & Vallelado, Eleuterio, 2024. "The zero-debt puzzle in BRICS countries: Disentangling the financial flexibility and financial constraints hypotheses," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    3. Abroon Qazi & Mecit Can Emre Simsekler, 2022. "Prioritizing interdependent drivers of financial, economic, and political risks using a data-driven probabilistic approach," Risk Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 24(2), pages 164-185, June.
    4. Qazi, Abroon, 2023. "Exploring Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 through the lens of country risk," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    5. Hussain, Shahzad & Akbar, Muhammad & Malik, Qaisar & Ahmad, Tanveer & Abbas, Nasir, 2021. "Downside Systematic Risk in Pakistani Stock Market: Role of Corporate Governance, Financial Liberalization and Investor Sentiment," CAFE Working Papers 14, Centre for Accountancy, Finance and Economics (CAFE), Birmingham City Business School, Birmingham City University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial flexibility; Firm value; Political risk; Probability of default;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F30 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - General
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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