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Too big to fail? Asymmetric effects of quantitative easing

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  • Chen, Hsuan-Chi
  • Chou, Robin K.
  • Lin, Chih-Yung
  • Lu, Chien-Lin

Abstract

In this study, we examine the impact of liquidity support from the Federal Reserve on the capital structures of firms of varying sizes. Our findings suggest that large firms tend to increase their debt financing and leverage ratios in response to significant shocks triggered by the large-scale asset purchases (LSAPs) of the US Federal Reserve. By contrast, small firms with preexisting banking relationships are more likely to receive liquidity support. Notably, small firms associated with smaller banks exhibit increased default risks. Furthermore, large firms exhibited weaker operating performance but received greater managerial compensation following the LSAP. This trend indicates potential inefficiencies in the distribution of funding facilitated by unconventional monetary policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Hsuan-Chi & Chou, Robin K. & Lin, Chih-Yung & Lu, Chien-Lin, 2025. "Too big to fail? Asymmetric effects of quantitative easing," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finsta:v:77:y:2025:i:c:s1572308925000142
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfs.2025.101385
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Banking relationships; Default probability; Inefficiency problem; Unconventional monetary policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • 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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