Abstract This study investigates how Real Earnings Management (REM) influences the profitability of companies across six sub-Saharan African countries. The sample includes listed non-financial firms from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Profitability is measured using Return on Assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q, while REM is assessed using the Rowchowdhury model. Secondary data from the annual financial reports of the selected companies were analyzed using panel data regression techniques. Findings reveal that REM has a significant negative effect on both ROA and Tobin’s Q in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. Conversely, REM has a significant positive impact on ROA in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. In Kenya, however, REM shows a negative but statistically insignificant effect on ROA and Tobin’s Q. The study concludes that REM significantly influences profitability among firms in sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, it recommends the implementation of stronger monitoring and control mechanisms, both internally and externally, to safeguard investors' wealth and promote the economic growth and development of these nations.

Abstract In order to save an economy from the detrimental effect of inflation, the government of that economy must make a full transition from the paper money based traditional economic system to an electronic money based digital economic system. This article proposes a system by which a government can control inflation in a digital economy. The central argument of the article is that a government fails to trace myriad transactions in an economy and hence have to leave the matter of price determination in the hand of the automatic interaction of demand and supply. However, as the digital technologies now allow for tracking every transaction, a government can get involved actively and intensively in the matter of price determination through a central price control system. The article describes the system architecture along with how it works and how the mutual interaction takes place among the various components of the system. It also discusses the major challenges in implementing the proposed system. Finally, it delineates the pricing policy instruments that may be used in overcoming the challenges of the proposed system. The system holds an iconoclastic view of the traditional economic system by proposing the abolition of paper money, price determination by the mutual interaction between demand and supply, the existence of invisible hand, and the laissez faire policy of a government in an economy. Although the idea seems to be utopian and devoid of practical sense at this stage of economic reality, it will make sense in the near future when only digital currency will exist as the sole legal tender money in a digital economy.

Abstract This article provides a financial analysis of capital gains tax and wealth tax and their impact on investors’ decision-making behaviour and corporate finance. First, the capital gains tax is analysed according to current German tax law, revealing a negative impact on firms and the economy. This finding is particularly worrying in an economic crisis, and it highlights the need to consider alternative tax options. A detailed analysis of wealth taxes follows, which shows that a special wealth tax on safe assets represents a promising alternative to current tax practice in view of the ongoing socio-ecological transformation.

Abstract This paper presents a thorough examination of Sino–U.S. trade dynamics from 2008 to 2022, utilizing the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) for commodity categorization. It employs essential trade indices, including the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), the Trade Complementarity Index (TCI), and the Export Similarity Index (ESI), to assess trade competitiveness and complementarity. The RCA findings reveal China's persistent comparative advantage in sectors such as machinery and transport equipment (C7), with values predominantly exceeding 1. At the same time, the United States demonstrates significant advantages in chemicals (C5) and crude materials (C2), also with RCA values above 1. TCI analysis shows China's stability in C0 but declining complementarity in C2, whereas the US demonstrates increasing complementarity in C2, C5, C7, and C8. ESI results reveal high structural similarity in C7 and partial alignment in C8, suggesting potential for bilateral cooperation. The study recommends that both countries strategically leverage their respective strengths and pursue collaboration in areas with high complementarity to optimize trade outcomes in a shifting global economic landscape.

Abstract Changes in preferences of consumers and advancement in technology the banking industry has gone through a change and has resulted to newer forms of banks providing services. One such form is Neo Bank. High demand for Neobanks is caused by wide availability of cell phones and Internet. At the same time, there exist a big problem with the successful persuasion of clients to switch from traditional banking to mobile banking. This is because a great number of customers does not find mobile banking solutions acceptable rather they desire to communicate with banks through face to face contacts or telephonic conversations. In this context, we use Behavioural Reasoning Theory (BRT) an established IS research paradigm to explore the reasons for and against adoption of Neobanks. The data was gathered using netnography method and we have used Structure Topic Modelling (STM) to analyze the data. We extracted insights from the textual data, and performed sentiment analysis to determine how people felt about Neo Banks. According to the findings of our research, the reasons for adopting Neobanks are: Convenience and Digital Accessibility, Cost Savings, Personalisation together with Technological Integration, and Support for Small Businesses. The reasons given against Neobanks are: Security Concerns, Uncertainty in Regulations and Compliance, Problems in the Interface and Financial Literacy Issues, and Consumer Preferences for Traditional Banking. Testing and exploration prior to full adoption and, risk evaluation and value assessment are the variables that are associated with the Behavioural Intention, which is an individual’s conscious decision of performing or not performing a behavior and it is determined by reasons, beliefs and attitude behind it. This research has significant repercussions for managerial decisions and policymaking. To effectively implement strategies that enhance adoption, confidence, and accessibility while also fix unpredictability about legal and security issues, it is crucial for senior leaders of Neobanks, fintech businesses, regulatory bodies, and legislators to have a comprehensive understanding of such factors.