We introduce the June edition, our 57th issue, of the Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science (JEFAS). Our journal consistently delivers outstanding publications in English twice a year, all subjected to double-blind peer-review processes.

The first paper authored by ^{Shala et al. (2024}) studies whether banks operating in Centraland Eastern European (CEE) nations employ loan loss provisions (LLPs) to stabilize their reported income amidst competitive and concentrated banking landscapes. Previous studies have not explored the influence of competition and concentration on the phenomenon of income smoothing among banks in CEE countries.

Next, the paper of ^{Lamine et al. (2024}) reveals substantial cross-market influences, particularly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the cryptocurrency and gold markets exhibit a net absorption of risk. This study also offers pertinent policy insights for investors and portfolio managers.

Based on the findings of ^{Alam et al. (2024}), credit risk emerges as a primary barrier hindering South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) economies’ ability to attract increased inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) from external sources. The recipient economy’s financial sector is anticipated to directly impact FDI by offering external funding to bolster the capabilities of foreign subsidiaries.

A research conducted in metropolitan Lima by ^{Mongrut et al. (2024}) suggests that being financially prepared decreased the likelihood of income decline, albeit solely among informal workers. Additionally, entrepreneurship primarily aided female informal workers to diminish their risk of unemployment. Moreover, the adoption of remote work as a replacement for inperson work proved insufficient in preventing income reduction among informal workers, and it only proved effective in averting unemployment among formal workers.

Following that, ^{Chenini and Jarboui (2024}) have examined the investor’s behavior and their approach to interpreting information, underscoring the significance of exploring the concept of diversity in beliefs in its entirety. This aspect of the study appears to be pertinent and essential in addressing the existing gap. In this regard, the authors have demonstrated that behavioral irregularities encompass a spectrum of dimensions: “self-deception,” “cognitive bias,” “emotional bias” and “social bias.”

The objective of the study of ^{Singh (2024}) is to analyze the factors influencing FDI and establish a coherent framework for understanding FDI inflows into Western European nations including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. The results indicate a distinction between the key factors deemed significant and reliable for attracting FDI. Furthermore, the study highlights the superior performance of machine learning models compared to traditional linear regression models.

^{Thakur et al. (2024}) unveil a notable positive correlation between goodwill assets and capital structure in emerging economies, whereas in developed nations, goodwill assets exhibit a significant negative correlation with capital structure. Furthermore, financial market advancement positively moderates the association between goodwill assets and firms’ capital structures in developing economies. These findings provide insight to firm managers about how goodwill assets can function as supplementary collateral to facilitate debt financing.

In the following article, ^{Pedraza-Rodríguez et al. (2024)} explore the concept of the value chain within Ecuador’s public port system, with a specific focus on the perspectives of importing/exporting companies. It delves into the impact of perceived value stemming from port services on customer satisfaction, alongside examining the intermediary roles of trust and commitment in shaping customer loyalty

The objective of the paper by ^{Ben Salah and Jarboui (2024}) is to examine the mutual causal relationship between dividend policy and earnings management within the French context. The findings of this research suggest that companies are highly motivated to manipulate their earnings as a means of signaling their capacity to distribute dividends to the market. Finally, ^{Rebiazina et al. (2024}) aim to uncover the influence of relationship marketing (RM) strategies implemented by companies in emerging markets on both their market and financial performance (FP) over a comprehensive 13-year span. The study underscores the considerable impact of RM practices, highlighting that the influence of product development (PD) on marketing performance is mediated by competitor orientation. PD influences both the market and FP, with their roles being contingent upon the return on assets (ROA).

In conclusion, this edition comprises insights of considerable relevance to scholars, executives and policymakers within the realms of business economics.