Fiscal Consolidation and the Cost of Credit: Evidence from Syndicated Loans
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Summary:
We examine how the cost of corporate credit varies around fiscal consolidations aimed at reducing government debt. Using a new dataset on fiscal consolidations and syndicated corporate loan data, we find that loan spreads increase with fiscal consolidations, especially for small firms, domestic firms, and for firms with limited alternative financing sources. These adverse effects are mitigated substantially if consolidations are large, and can be avoided if consolidations are also accompanied with more adaptable macroeconomic policies and implemented by a stable government. These findings suggest that lenders price the short-term recessionary effects in loans but large consolidations can reduce or undo the increase in spreads, especially under favorable country conditions, by signaling credibility and creating expansionary expectations.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2013/036
Subject:
Credit Financial institutions Fiscal consolidation Fiscal policy Loans Money Public debt Syndicated loans
English
Publication Date:
February 1, 2013
ISBN/ISSN:
9781475564440/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2013036
Pages:
44
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