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Can there be a risk of too little risk?...Does one size fit all when it comes to accounting standards?

Sarbanes-Oxley:Risk of Too Little RiskWhile much of the criticism of Sarbanes-Oxley has focused on Section 404 costs, a new study suggests that the greater damage ...

By Staff Writer | Updated on July 25, 2007

Sarbanes-Oxley:Risk of Too Little Risk

While much of the criticism of Sarbanes-Oxley has focused on Section 404 costs, a new study suggests that the greater damage may be its effect on corporate risk-taking. The study compared the investing behavior of U.S. companies with counterparts in the U.K. over the past 16 years. It found that American companies have reduced research and development (R&D) and capital spending and increased their cash holdings since the passage of SOX; also, the probability of an initial public offering taking place in the U.K., rather than the U.S., has risen in the period. Finally, the researchers argue that the reduction in stock price volatility is not proof of the market rewarding good governance and strong internal controls, but rather evidence of the market’s assessment that companies are more adept at risk avoidance.

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