Dimitrova, Milka
Research
Financial markets and unemployment
My fascination with the intricate relationship between firms’ capital decisions and the underlying economic conditions sets the grounds for my research interests. The question I investigate brings together the macroeconomic concept of unemployment and the finance topics of portfolio diversification and excess returns. I am interested in determining whether the announcement of changes in the unemployment rate can benefit the investors who anticipated the news. If so, would forecasting the future unemployment rate bring about a positive stock return for those market participants whose portfolios account for the macroeconomic indicator? Even further, could investors earn excess returns for bearing the risks associated with the unemployment rate?
I hope that my research will enhance our understanding of macroeconomic indicators’ impact on empirical finance. Since information about equity risk premium, interest rates, and economic growth is embedded in the unemployment data, further knowledge of how that information influences investment opportunities in the market will contribute to improving our understanding of portfolio performance over time.
My decision to seek a graduate degree is warranted by my desire to pursue a career in research and teaching. Obtaining a doctorate degree represents a step along my way to fulfill my career objective.
The Finance graduate program at UBC offers students a unique opportunity to interact closely with faculty members and be challenged and inspired by a diverse body of bright and talented students. With its small size, the Finance Division fosters strong collaboration between faculty and students and creates an environment where every individual makes a difference. At the same time, the freedom to undertake independent research further persuaded me that I would thrive as a graduate student at the Sauder School of Business.
If you are wondering what time it is back home, instead of adding 10 hours to the current time, subtract 2 hours (and switch the am and pm)- it makes the calculation a lot easier! Enjoy Canada.
Vancouver fascinates me with its blend of natural beauty and city life. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed Vancouver’s beaches and mountains and the Grouse grind is among my favorite activities.
Reading, exercising, playing tennis, swimming, photography
In the future, I aspire to conduct research and contribute to the development of the finance field in an academic environment.
