How do zombie firms affect the financialization of normal firms?

This study examines the relationship between zombie firms and the financialization of normal firms in the context of 'from real to virtual'. Using data of Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2019, we find that zombie firms increase the financialization of normal firms. Further, mediating mechanism tests show that total factor productivity and bank loans are two major channels. Moreover, we find that the motivation of corporate financialization is 'capital arbitrage', rather than 'capital reserve'. This study explains the motivation and impact of the financialization of Chinese non-financial companies, elucidates the necessity of disposing of zombie firms, and promotes high-quality economic development.