...Yuxuan Chang; Xiaoyang Zhao Purpose This paper examines whether technological changes that promote communications between investors and managers help bridge the gap in the cost of equity capital among firms in different regions. Design/methodology/approach We use the online interaction...

...-level cost of equity, although US interviewees more uniformly expect lower costs of equity under DM disclosure when firms yield low earnings quality. DM disclosure is also more important during unstable economic periods, as proxied by COVID-19. Originality/value Limited research currently exists...