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Information effect of credit rating announcements in transition economies

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  • Afik, Zvika
  • Zabolotnyuk, Yuriy

Abstract

This paper analyzes the credit rating markets in transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR, an important economic area and countries that are quickly developing into significant economic players. Using a sample of 969 credit rating announcements from 1998 to 2021, we examine the wealth effects of the credit rating announcements and compare the findings to the existing international evidence. We find that informativeness of rating announcements in transition economies decreases after the first enforcement of insider trading laws. We also find different market reaction to rating announcements in EU and non-EU countries. Our findings suggest that this region is still evolving and part of it still has characteristics of other emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Afik, Zvika & Zabolotnyuk, Yuriy, 2023. "Information effect of credit rating announcements in transition economies," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:intfin:v:89:y:2023:i:c:s1042443123001464
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2023.101878
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information content; Bond rating announcements; Transition economies; Market efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage

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