Has the amendment of IAS 19 increased the value-relevance of OCI in the Swedish stock market?

Abstract: The evidence of this research paper suggests an increased value-relevance of OCI in the Swedish stock market after the 2011 amendment of IAS 19. This amendment eliminated the popular corridor approach that ‘smoothed’ the recognition of actuarial gains and losses and required companies instead to recognize such remeasurements directly to their full extent in OCI. We reason that the current economic environment marked by low interest rates together with demographic trends in life expectancy have amplified the impact of the standard revision on financial statements. Moreover, this research paper is conducted in a Swedish setting that is characterized by widespread occupational pension schemes. In line with informational accounting research, we use regression models to identify whether OCI has more explanatory power for stock market prices and returns. Shares listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm are investigated for this purpose. Furthermore, in the course of this research, we revisit the controversial debate on comprehensive income reporting and work out inconsistencies in current IFRS reporting.