The Economics and Finance department at AUT is a hub of research with real-world applications – from climate policy and financial market efficiency to global economic interactions.
Our researchers are widely known for their expertise on complex economic and financial issues, providing insights that inform policy decisions, and support investors and businesses.
Behavioural economics and finance is a growing area of research, examining human behaviour through social preferences, heuristics and norms. Our work seeks to understand the decision-making processes of individuals and businesses in real-world contexts. Using data from experiments, laboratory studies, and surveys, AUT researchers uncover fundamental principles with significant policy implications.
AUT research drives impactful advancements in climate policy, sustainable finance and the transition to a low-carbon economy. We model the economic and employment effects of climate policies, assess responsible investment practices, and examine corporate greenwashing. Through economy-wide modelling and environmental, social and governance (ESG) studies, we provide actionable insights that support policymakers, investors and businesses in advancing sustainability and equitable transitions.
The division between ownership and management in public firms often leads to managerial strategies – such as underinvestment or overinvestment – that may not align with shareholder interests. Boards of directors play a crucial role in mitigating these agency problems.
Our research highlights how directors’ characteristics significantly influence managerial decisions and overall firm value. AUT’s economics and finance department actively contributes to this field by examining corporate governance mechanisms and their implications for financial management.
This research theme is dedicated to exploring and advancing areas that have been under-researched within the realm of investment funds globally and in New Zealand, such as mutual funds, hedge funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
We focus on analysing the fund performance of both traditional and sustainable investments, fund flows, and market efficiency of these investment funds. Additionally, we test investor’s behaviour by identifying investment managerial skills including market timing and stock-picking under uncertainty arising out of economic policies, geo-political tensions and climate risks. We also test the implications of investor behavioural biases such as herding and loss aversion, and examine asset pricing implications in the context of funds, firms, and other investment securities.
Our research implications offer critical insights into the investment strategies that significantly influence financial markets, thereby contributing to the development of more effective investment practices and policies.
Financial wellbeing is gaining recognition as an essential component of overall wellbeing. Achieving financial security requires individuals to have the capability, motivation and opportunity to make informed financial decisions.
Our research focuses on understanding how financial capability develops, particularly among young adults. We investigate the effects of life milestones, emerging financial technologies such as Buy Now Pay Later and the role of financial education in shaping long-term financial stability.
Our research explores global economic and financial interactions through various lenses, including international trade, global value chains (GVCs), regional and preferential trade agreements, international finance, investment flows and geopolitical risks. By analysing these factors, we provide insights into the dynamics shaping global markets and policy responses.
AUT’s economics and finance department conducts in-depth analyses of market performance across diverse sectors, offering insights that shape regulatory and fiscal policy. By assessing the impact of government interventions on market behaviour and participant welfare, our research informs policy decisions both nationally and internationally.
We collaborate closely with economists at the New Zealand Policy Research Institute, leveraging the country’s leading Integrated Data Infrastructure. Our researchers maintain strong ties with policy agencies, and Dr Lydia Cheung holds a dual role as a Senior Economist at the Commerce Commission; New Zealand’s market regulator.
Our expertise spans tax policy, labour markets, health markets, competition policy and market regulation. Additionally, we actively explore social policy issues, including mental health, criminal justice, and equity concerns.
AUT research in this field bridges economics and finance, addressing key issues such as financial markets and institutions, macroeconomic policy, inflation dynamics, economic uncertainty and market microstructure. By integrating economic and financial perspectives, we provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of policy decisions and market behaviour.
Published to facilitate early debate and discussion, the economics working paper series includes work from economists within the department as well as the Business School’s New Zealand Policy Research Institute.
Working paper seriesApplied Finance Letters is an open access journal publishing mainly empirical research for industry and academia. It aims to encourage high quality contributions that foster discussion.
Applied Finance Letters on TuwheraLooking for a supervisor or interested in partnering with us on research? Browse our researcher database to find an AUT researcher with expertise in your chosen field.
The Economics and Finance department is home to world-class academics with close ties to international universities, research institutes and the world of practice.