Is it (Still) Mostly Fiscal? Determinants of sovereign spreads in emerging markets

DefaultRisk.com the web's biggest credit risk modeling resource.

Submit Your Paper

Post Your Résumé

For Recruiters

Amazon.com Widgets

Is it (Still) Mostly Fiscal? Determinants of sovereign spreads in emerging markets

by Emanuele Baldacci of the International Monetary Fund,
Sanjeev Gupta of the International Monetary Fund, and
Amine Mati of the International Monetary Fund

November 2008

Abstract: Using a panel of 30 emerging market economies from 1997 to 2007, this paper investigates the determinants of country risk premiums as measured by sovereign bond spreads. Unlike previous studies, the results indicate that both fiscal and political factors matter for credit risk in emerging markets. Lower levels of political risk are associated with tighter spreads, while efforts at fiscal consolidation narrow credit spreads, especially in countries that experienced prior defaults. The composition of fiscal policy matters: spending on public investment contributes to lower spreads as long as the fiscal position remains sustainable and the fiscal deficit does
not worsen.

JEL Classification: C41, H30.

Keywords: Sovereign spreads, political risk, emerging markets, fiscal consolidation.

Books Referenced in this Paper: (what is this?)