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Is the stability of the leverage ratios determined by the stability of the economy?

Publication at Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Centre for Economic Research and Graduate Education |
2009

Abstract

The choice of capital structure by firms is a fundamental issue in financial literature. According to a recent finding, the capital structure of firms remains almost unchanged during their lives meaning that leverage ratios are significantly stable over time.

I study how substantial changes in the economy affect the stability of firm capital structure in transition countries. Specifically, I concentrate on Central and Eastern European economies that passed through transition from central planning to market economy and privatization, Russian financial crisis, and EU membership.