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Geopolitical risk and the cost of bank loans

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  • Nguyen, Thanh Cong
  • Thuy, Tien Ho

Abstract

We examine the relation between geopolitical risk and the cost of bank loans using a sample of 31,004 loan facilities in the US over the period 1991–2019. We show that geopolitical risk is associated with higher loan prices and more stringent nonprice loan terms. With one standard deviation increase in the geopolitical risk index, the average cost of bank loans increases by 7.253 basis points. Delving into the components of geopolitical risk, we find that the effects of geopolitical acts on the cost of bank loans and nonprice loan terms are more pronounced than those of geopolitical threats.

Suggested Citation

  • Nguyen, Thanh Cong & Thuy, Tien Ho, 2023. "Geopolitical risk and the cost of bank loans," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:54:y:2023:i:c:s154461232300185x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.103812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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