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Does monetary policy affect bank risk-taking?

Author

Listed:
  • Gambacorta, Leonardo
  • Altunbas, Yener
  • Marqués-Ibáñez, David

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between short-term interest rates and bank risk. Using a unique database that includes quarterly balance sheet information for listed banks operating in the European Union and the United States in the last decade, we find evidence that unusually low interest rates over an extended period of time contributed to an increase in banks' risk. This result holds for a wide range of measures of risk, as well as macroeconomic and institutional controls. JEL Classification: E44, E5, G21

Suggested Citation

  • Gambacorta, Leonardo & Altunbas, Yener & Marqués-Ibáñez, David, 2010. "Does monetary policy affect bank risk-taking?," Working Paper Series 1166, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20101166
    Note: 328790
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bank risk; credit crisis; monetary policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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