We consider a principal-agent model, in which the agent needs to borrow from the principal to finance a project. Our model is based on DeMarzo and Fishman (2003), except that the agent’s cash flows are given by a Brownian motion with drift in continuous time. The difficulty in writing an appropriate financial contract in this setting lies in the fact that the agent can hide cash flows and not p...

Using a unique dataset of private equity funds over the last two decades, this paper analyzes the cash flow, return, and risk characteristics of private equity. Unlike previous studies, we have detailed cash flow data for each fund, rather than aggregate or accounting returns. We also know the exact timing of investments and capital returns to investors and the number and types of companies eac...

We present a new model of asset prices in which representative agent has extrapolative beliefs about stock market returns and Epstein-Zin preferences. The quantitatively explains facts prices, return expectations, cash-flow expectations. When the agent’s are calibrated to survey expectations investors, generates excess volatility predictability returns, high equity premium, low stable risk-free...

The special tax treatment of UK pensions means that the decision on how to use pensions assets is more involved than in other tax jurisdictions. In particular, the ability to take up to 25% of pensions assets as a tax-free cash lump sum at retirement offers retirees opportunities to enhance their pension above that possible through the purchase of a compulsory purchase annuity (“CPA”). The tax-...

Beginning in 1959, Federal Reserve member banks were allowed to use both vault cash and deposits at Federal Reserve Banks to satisfy statutory reserve requirements. Prior to this time, member banks were restricted to satisfying required reserves solely with deposits at Federal Reserve Banks. Hence, member banks held currency in their vaults only to satisfy daily demands by depositors. Fluctuati...