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This study investigates the association between economic uncertainty and audit quality in the BRICS nations, examining both input-based (e.g., audit fees, auditor tenure) and output-based (e.g., restatements, total accruals) measures of audit quality. Utilizing a dataset of 83,511 firm-year observations from 1995–2022, it reveals a significant negative impact of economic uncertainty on audit quality. Additionally, the research explores the moderating role of CEO power, employing principal component analysis to merge various indicators of CEO influence. Findings indicate that powerful CEOs can mitigate the adverse effects of economic uncertainty on audit quality, suggesting a U-shaped relationship between CEO power and audit quality. Methodologically robust, employing techniques like two-stage least squares (2SLS) and two-stage system generalized method of moments (system GMM) to address endogeneity, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of audit quality in the context of economic fluctuations and corporate governance, contributing significantly to the understanding of these dynamics in emerging economies, particularly in the diverse and influential BRICS nations. This study's findings have significant implications for stakeholders and policymakers, providing insights that can inform policy decisions and enhance corporate governance frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we delve into the financial market to compare the performance of prominent AI and robotics-related stocks against traditional IT indices, such as the Nasdaq, and specialized AI and robotics ETFs. We evaluate the role of these stocks in diversifying portfolios, analyzing their return potential and risk profiles. Our analysis includes various investment scenarios, focusing on common AI-related stocks in the United States. We explore the influence of risk management strategies, ranging from "buy and hold" to daily rebalancing, on AI stock portfolios. This involves investigating long-term strategies like buy and hold, as well as short-term approaches, such as daily rebalancing. Our findings, covering the period from 30 April 2021, to 15 September 2023, show that AI-related stocks have not only outperformed in recent years but also highlight the growing "AI bubble" and the increasing significance of AI in investment decisions. The study reveals that these stocks have delivered superior performance, as indicated by metrics like Sharpe and Treynor ratios, providing insights into market trends and financial returns in the technology and robotics sectors. The results are particularly relevant for investors and traders in the AI sector, offering a balanced view of potential returns against the risks in this rapidly evolving market. This paper adds to the financial market literature by demonstrating that investing in emerging trends, such as AI, can be more advantageous in the short term compared to traditional markets like the Nasdaq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an overview of the different dimensions of financial inclusion, its socioeconomic impacts on society's sustainable development, and future research agendas. Initially, 620 studies were identified using Scopus and other databases, employing keywords such as financial literacy, financial inclusion, financial capability, women's empowerment, fintech, artificial intelligence, financial accessibility, sustainable development goals, and economic growth. After refinement based on focus and relevance, 325 papers were analyzed in detail for review, primarily focused on India and emerging economies. This review highlights that access to finance by untouched segments of society is essential for sustainable and socio-economic development in developing economies. The official banking system, an effort by the government to assist the financially disadvantaged, can incorporate the impoverished into a formal financial system through campaigns and credit system reforms. Socioeconomic programs reinforce one another and foster the development of children, women, families, and society. This research paper undertakes a systematic literature review primarily focused on relevant articles in broad areas of financial inclusion and its impact analysis and offers a valuable agenda for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the world, people are becoming more and more worried about how globalization will affect their standard of living. According to the literature, globalization has resulted in the marginalization of the impoverished populations in developing economies and has exacerbated inequality, while the opposite may also be true. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of globalization on income inequality. The study used two-stage least squares (2SLS) to study the influence of globalization on income inequality in 18 developing countries from 1991–2021. Utilizing the KOF index of globalization, it is determined that globalization, together with its three aspects, has a negative effect on income inequality among developing economies. Evidence demonstrates that the combination of trade openness and foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a significant role in reducing inequality among developing economies. We recommend developing economies actively support globalization in terms of trade and FDI in accordance with the findings. By expanding trade opportunities and opening up markets, globalization can benefit developing nations. This may result in a rise in FDI, the creation of jobs, and technological developments. Governments can contribute to raising the living standards of their inhabitants, lowering rates of poverty, and closing the income gap by promoting globalization. Although the study emphasizes the well-established link between globalization and income inequality, it focuses on the effects of various globalization dimensions, emphasizing the need to comprehend how different dimensions of globalization, namely economic, political, and social globalization affects inequality in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]