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Journal of Banking & Finance Vol. 140 2022

Geographic proximity and corporate investment efficiency: Evidence from high-speed rail construction in China

Yizhong Wu1; Chien-Chiang Lee1; Chi-Chuan Lee2; Diyun Peng1

1 Nanchang University · 2 Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Abstract

Applying the difference-in-differences method, we show that high-speed rail (HSR) construction improves investment efficiency in China. The effect is more pronounced for companies with low information transparency and low media coverage, suggesting that HSR can mitigate information asymmetry while reducing external regulatory costs. Our analysis also shows that the effect is more powerful for non-state-owned enterprises, high-growth firms, and those companies located in core cities. Overall, our findings suggest that HSR can improve investment efficiency by shortening the travel time between firms and their investors.

DOI
10.1016/j.jbankfin.2022.106510
Volume
140
Pages
106510
Language
en
Sources
openalex crossref bibtex:phds-export.bib

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