Evidence for Relational Contracts in Sovereign Bank Lending /

This paper presents direct evidence for relational contracts in sovereign bank lending. Unlike the existing empirical literature, its instrumental variables method allows for distinguishing a direct influence of past repayment problems on current spreads (a "punishment" effect in prices) f...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
1. Verfasser:
Benczur, Peter
Körperschaft:
National Bureau of Economic Research
Weitere Verfasser:
Ilut, Cosmin L.
Format:
Elektronisch E-Book
Sprache:
Englisch
Veröffentlicht:
Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2014.
Zusammenfassung:
This paper presents direct evidence for relational contracts in sovereign bank lending. Unlike the existing empirical literature, its instrumental variables method allows for distinguishing a direct influence of past repayment problems on current spreads (a "punishment" effect in prices) from an indirect effect through higher expected future default probabilities ("loss of reputation"). Such a punishment provides positive surplus to lenders after a default and decreases the borrower's present discounted value of the net benefits of future borrowing, which create dynamic incentives. Using data on bank loans to developing countries between 1973-1981 and constructing continuous variables for credit history, we find evidence that most of the influence of past repayment problems is through the direct, punishment channel.
Umfang:
1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);
Anmerkungen:
August 2014.
Schlagworte: