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Daily Archives: November 21, 2021

The hidden ‘replication crisis’ of finance

Financial Times: “The hidden ‘replication crisis’ of finance. Are swaths of prestigious financial academic research statistically bogus? Campbell Harvey, professor of finance at Duke university, who believes that at least half of the 400 supposedly market-beating strategies identified in top financial journals over the years are bogus. It may sound like a low-budget Blade Runner rip-off, but over the past decade the scientific world has been gripped by a “replication crisis” — the findings of many seminal studies cannot be repeated, with huge implications. Is investing suffering from something similar?…Harvey is not some obscure outsider or performative contrarian attempting to gain attention through needless controversy. He is the former editor of the Journal of Finance, a former president of the American Finance Association, and an adviser to investment firms like Research Affiliates and Man Group. He has written more than 150 papers on finance, several of which have won prestigious prizes. In fact, Harvey’s 1986 PhD thesis first showed how the bond market’s curves can predict recessions. In other words, this is not like a child saying the emperor has no clothes. Harvey’s escalating criticism of the rigour of financial academia since 2015 is more akin to the emperor regretfully proclaiming his own nudity…”

Statement in Support of the Freedom to Vote Act

Democracy Letter November 2021: “We, the undersigned, are scholars of democracy writing in support of the Freedom to Vote Act, the most important piece of legislation to defend and strengthen American democracy since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This bill would protect our elections from interference, partisan gerrymandering, dark money, and voter suppression. We… Continue Reading

Recyclable vs compostable packaging

BBC News – Plastic pollution: New meat tray ‘could save tonnes of waste’ America’s Plastic Manufacturers – “Our Recycling System Needs a Refresh – We Can Recycle More Plastic Packaging. Lots More.” Plastic wrap – Biodegradable Compostable PLA Vegetable Packaging Bags – “Our compostable vegetable bags is a great alternative to regular plastic bags. These bags… Continue Reading

US regulators order banks to report cyberattacks within 36 hours

Bleeping Computer: “US federal bank regulatory agencies have approved a new rule ordering banks to notify their primary federal regulators of significant computer-security incidents within 36 hours. Banks are only required to report major cyberattacks if they have or will likely impact their operations, the ability to deliver banking products and services, or the US… Continue Reading

CDC – Everyone Ages 18 and Older Can Get a Booster Shot

You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. “Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. When to get a booster: At least 6 months after… Continue Reading