Universal Journal of Finance and Economics

In today’s world of a globalized economy and ubiquitous digital transactions, businesses are hungry for ways to increase transaction efficiency and security. In the real economy, solutions that scale to fit transaction volume or velocity are equally valuable. This is true for clearing and settlement and for the day-to-day needs of buyers and sellers alike. Clever observers of both cash... In today’s world of a globalized economy and ubiquitous digital transactions, businesses are hungry for ways to increase transaction efficiency and security. In the real economy, solutions that scale to fit transaction volume or velocity are equally valuable. This is true for clearing and settlement and for the day-to-day needs of buyers and sellers alike. Clever observers of both cash and digital transactions can spot cases where technology that supports transaction security or safety can strengthen consumer-borrower ties, mitigate default risks, and reduce recidivism. In general, a cloud solution for payment processing and merchant services solves two major barriers to optimum business technology: lack of scalability and lack of security [1]. The extension of current practice has its advantages, but new solutions unlock significant opportunities for both consumers and financial institutions [2]. The focus of this work is on the provisioning of cloud-based payment processing and merchant services to financial institutions and established global organizations, although the options available with these services mean they are potentially applicable to a wide range of group entities, including non-trading organizations, pension administrators, and group treasurers. With the increased attention to cybersecurity, a mass of data is available to assist the IT departments of the major payment processors, merchants, and acquirers to get cybersecurity on the radar of C-level executives [3]. The case is put forward for the increased targeting of and reporting to the Board’s Audit, Risk, and Liability Committees of publicly held payment processors and merchants to reduce fraud losses and mitigate the reputation and class action lawsuit risk due to data breaches. The progress of technology in the payment sector requires all stakeholders to have a collective approach in order to mitigate fraud and cybersecurity-related risks in new products and services to enhance consumer confidence and the proportion of retail cashless transactions [4]. Read more

With the current sources of US supply chains being more diversified than before, China’s share in US goods imports is declining while Mexico becomes the largest exporter to the US market in 2023. However, can Mexico use this trade diversion to successfully outweigh China in US supply chains? This paper thus investigates whether the Mexico manufacturing sector is competitive enough... With the current sources of US supply chains being more diversified than before, China’s share in US goods imports is declining while Mexico becomes the largest exporter to the US market in 2023. However, can Mexico use this trade diversion to successfully outweigh China in US supply chains? This paper thus investigates whether the Mexico manufacturing sector is competitive enough to completely replace its Chinese counterparts and rise to a strategically vital supplier for the US economy. Based on multiple empirical evidence, we find that although US supply chain sources are shifting from China to Mexico, the major part of the value added of Mexican exports to the US market is generated in China. Moreover, our evidence shows that Mexico’s exports to the US concentrate on low-skill sectors, while China’s mainly consists of high-skill goods. Further discussion shows that the current US trade shift is highly likely due to China’s FDI inflows to Mexico’s traditionally strong export sector, motor vehicles. However, this shift is not significant enough for Mexico to become a capable substitute for China in the US supply chains. We conclude that the "trade diversion" strategy alone cannot support Mexico’s role in reducing the US supply chain dependence on China. Therefore, the US should better consider how to establish a sustainable trade framework that fosters stable cooperation with China. Read more

The paper analyses the extent to which crude oil price shocks impact GDP growth, exchange rate, interest rate and inflation of an emerging oil exporting economy, Ghana. The Structural Vector Autoregressive model is used to analyse the quarterly data from 2009q1 – 2020q4. The results showed that exchange rate and GDP growth respond positively but temporal to the impulse of... The paper analyses the extent to which crude oil price shocks impact GDP growth, exchange rate, interest rate and inflation of an emerging oil exporting economy, Ghana. The Structural Vector Autoregressive model is used to analyse the quarterly data from 2009q1 – 2020q4. The results showed that exchange rate and GDP growth respond positively but temporal to the impulse of crude oil price. In contrast, inflation and interest rate respond negatively to crude oil price shock. Specifically, the exchange rate appreciates in the initial quarter and begins to depreciate, whereas GDP growth experiences an increase in the first two quarters and also reduces afterwards. Crude oil price shocks to the Ghanaian economy follow the conventional behaviour of the impact of crude oil on macroeconomic indicators. The positive impact of the price shock on GDP growth and exchange rate is not much reflecting the fact that Ghana is an emerging oil-producing country with low production and export level. Ghana’s prospects in the oil and gas sector should not just be a mere hoax. Policies should be directed toward petroleum exploration and production efforts since the energy transition endanger benefits for future exploitation. Policies should be implemented to attract competitive players locally and internationally in the oil industry. The shock of crude oil prices is beginning to show evidence based on this study. Therefore government must consider recognising the importance of other economic sectors in order not be become heavily dependent on oil. Read more

Generative AI refers to deep learning technology that can automatically produce original text, images, audio, video, and other outputs. With its emerging capabilities, Generative AI can radically change the dynamics of key operational processes in most industries. In this document, we illustrate how it is possible to integrate Generative AI technologies into the Financial Reporting System (FRS) of a corporation.... Generative AI refers to deep learning technology that can automatically produce original text, images, audio, video, and other outputs. With its emerging capabilities, Generative AI can radically change the dynamics of key operational processes in most industries. In this document, we illustrate how it is possible to integrate Generative AI technologies into the Financial Reporting System (FRS) of a corporation. The integration will allow the FRS to deliver on demand concise and lucid insights to its associated users on what is happening in the corporation and different aspects of the corporation performance assessment, such as its liquidity, solvency, profitability, organizational structure, and share buy back decision. The integration will also facilitate the delivery of what-if analyses associated with different strategic and tactical decisions taken by the corporation management, such as capital budgeting and profit distribution decisions. The unique added value of several attributes of these insightful analytics is automating the responses to ongoing requests of the FRS users on the corporation. Generative AI capabilities are rapidly expanding. The integration can be applied not only for the corporate FRS but any FRS at the national or global levels delivered by a central bank or an accounting standards setter. Any of these FRS can be made into a unique “hub” for the integrated Generative AI technologies. An equally innovative possible generalized integration could put any corporate process at the center and its supporting FRS tasks and deliverables in its periphery. Read more

Retirement planning can be a complex endeavor. One consideration is whether or not to invest in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The present study compares the effect of several contributions to a traditional, Roth, and rollover IRA. The returns generated for each model are derived from the historic growth rates of the S&P 500 over 40 years. Results are presented... Retirement planning can be a complex endeavor. One consideration is whether or not to invest in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The present study compares the effect of several contributions to a traditional, Roth, and rollover IRA. The returns generated for each model are derived from the historic growth rates of the S&P 500 over 40 years. Results are presented in terms of employer match, taxes due, and the number of shares utilized in the long-term investment strategy for each withdrawal method. Results show traditional IRA contributions or Roth IRA contributions are equally matched until employment termination. Taking an active role in managing the investment strategy, possibly by working with a financial representative, suggests a more favorable positioning upon employment termination [1]. Traditional and other pre-tax plans usually do not have an employer match, are usually paired with decreased taxes paid, and the number of shares available to the long-term investment strategy is somewhat reduced. In all cases, risk is increased. Rollover IRAs enjoy a match, lower taxes, and decrease the amount of calculated risk involved. A certified financial planner should be the resource of choice to determine how corporate retirement planning programs fit into the overall investment strategy. Read more

The number of poor people continues to rise in Africa, despite a slow decline in the poverty rate. Africa with a population of 422 million poor people, representing about 70 per cent of the world's poorest people shows that the global burden of poverty has shifted from the rest of the world to Africa. This paper discussed the causes of... The number of poor people continues to rise in Africa, despite a slow decline in the poverty rate. Africa with a population of 422 million poor people, representing about 70 per cent of the world's poorest people shows that the global burden of poverty has shifted from the rest of the world to Africa. This paper discussed the causes of poverty on the continent and various responses by stakeholders toward accelerating its poverty reduction. It was found that with the available statistics and projections, Africa will still fall short of eradicating poverty by 2030, but it can bring it to a low level. The study, therefore, recommends that African policymakers should aim for growth that is inclusive and sustainable. International support from the world bank, ODA, G7, and others will play a vital role, especially through technology and resource transfers, also African continent need to improve its resource mobilization. Read more