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In this article we compare the performance of the traditional CAPM with the multi factor model of Fama and French (1996) for equities listed in the Shanghai Stock Exchange. We also investigate the explanatory power of idiosyncratic volatility and respond to the claim that multi factor model findings can be explained by the turn of the year effect. Our results show that firm size, book to market equity and idiosyncratic volatility are priced risk factors in addition to the theoretically well specified market factor. As far as the turn of the year effect is concerned we reject the claim that the findings are driven by seasonal factors.

Correspondent banking, the provision of services by one bank to another, has been a neglected area of academic research, and literature lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework to describe correspondent relationships. The bulk of previous studies have been conducted in the USA, where the regulatory environment places particular requirements on correspondent banking relationships that are difficult to generalise to countries such as Australia. This paper explores two theoretical frameworks for correspondent banking. The first sees correspondent banking in a financial contracting cost‐reduction framework, in line with theoretical models of financial intermediation. The second framework is based on Dunning’s (1979) eclectic theory of international investment. Correspondent banking is viewed as a strategic tool to be used when a banking firm does not at present possess a full range of ownership‐specific, locational and internalisation advantages. The paper reviews the traditional and modern functions of correspondent banking and the structural arrangements that can be put in place to organise these activities. Case studies of two banks, operating in Australia, are used to illustrate the different strategic and structural approaches that can be utilised in respect of correspondent banking.

Malkiel and Xu state that idiosyncratic volatility is highly correlated with size and that it plays a powerful role in explaining expected returns. The purpose of this paper is to ask whether idiosyncratic volatility is useful in explaining the variation in expected returns; and whether the findings can be explained by the turn of the year effect.

Monthly stock returns and market values of all listed firms in Germany and UK covering the period 1991‐2001 from Datastream are used as the basis of the evaluation.

The paper finds that the three‐factor model provides a better description of expected returns than the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). That is, it is found that firm size and idiosyncratic volatility are related to security returns. In addition, it is noted that the findings are robust throughout the sample period

The paper shows that the CAPM beta alone is not sufficient to explain the variation in stock returns.

This paper aims to document the measures taken by Australian corporate treasurers in the areas of cash, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and risk management to survive the global financial crisis (GFC).

Using qualitative techniques like interviews and a survey questionnaire, this paper summarises the various measures adopted by working capital managers.

The results show that more than half of the participants in the survey altered their working capital management practices during the crisis. Capital expenditure was curtailed, as they aimed at preserving their cash levels while reducing inventory levels. Credit worthiness of institutions became more important, and there was a general decline in credit availability. The results also show that Australian working capital managers exhibit behavioural biases, particularly overconfidence.

It is the first paper that uses open-ended questions to capture the effects of the GFC on working capital management in Australia.

Recent spectacular collapses globally have sparked renewed public interest in corporate governance and the pursuit of a new global model. The prevailing dominance of an American model has overshadowed constructive attempts to derive a model that is more appropriate for ‘non-western’ and developing countries. In this paper, I examine the discourse of corporate governance in China. I argue that rather than being a mere captive of the American model, it could have crafted and developed an alternate and more appropriate model that takes into account the economic and social needs of China instead of a corporate governance model developed for other countries.