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Australian policy uncertainty and corporate investment

Author

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  • Chen, Xikai
  • Le, Cao Hoang Anh
  • Shan, Yaowen
  • Taylor, Stephen

Abstract

This study examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on capital investment by Australian firms. Following a replication of prior US evidence (Gulen and Ion 2016), we show that EPU has a persistent and negative effect (up to four years) on capital investment by Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed firms, in contrast to the more short-lived effect of EPU in the US. The different results are consistent with the high proportion of ASX-listed firms in the resources and mining industries, where investment projects frequently proceed in stages and have time-to-build considerations. In accordance with real option theory, the findings reinforce the notion that EPU can dampen investment opportunities due to investment irreversibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Xikai & Le, Cao Hoang Anh & Shan, Yaowen & Taylor, Stephen, 2020. "Australian policy uncertainty and corporate investment," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:61:y:2020:i:c:s0927538x20301256
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2020.101341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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