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Determinants of Leverage in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Yarong Chen

    (SoB, Department of Economics and Management, Hubei China,)

  • Luca Sensini

    (Department of Management and Innovation Systems, University of Salerno, Italy,)

  • Maria Vazquez

    (Business Economics Laboratory, Buenos Aires, Argentina.)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between leverage and its main determinants in the Argentine context, using the trade-off theory and the pecking order theory. Studies that have addressed this issue in emerging economies are still quite rare and the results are incomplete and controversial. To identify the companies to be analyzed, we used a stratified sampling methodology, following an economic criterion. The balance sheet data were collected through a questionnaire and were normalized to neutralize the effects of high inflation. The period analyzed is 3 years and concerns 181 companies. The research hypotheses were tested using a static fixed effects (FE) model. The results of this paper contribute to the existing literature, providing further empirical evidence on the financial behaviour of firms in an as yet unexplored economic context. Furthermore, empirical findings can be useful for Argentine entrepreneurs and managers of companies to improve their financial decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yarong Chen & Luca Sensini & Maria Vazquez, 2021. "Determinants of Leverage in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 11(2), pages 40-46.
    • Handle: RePEc:eco:journ1:2021-02-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital structure; Leverage; Profitability; Business Risk; Emerging Markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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