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Forward interest rate premium and asymmetric adjustment: Evidence from 16 countries

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  • McMillan, David G.
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    Abstract

    This paper examines the ability of the forward premium to provide an unbiased estimate of the future spot rate allowing for potential asymmetries. Extant evidence suggests that forward rates provide a biased predictor of future spot rates. Examining the forward premium for 16 countries, only for 2 countries does the linear expectations hypothesis holds. For the remaining countries, results generally support the view that the larger the forward premium the better a predictor for future spot rates it is, however, this result is not unique across all countries. Furthermore, although the asymmetric model improves data fit over the linear model, only in four cases does the model support an unbiased predictor interpretation. Further research is therefore required to understand the nature of this relationship, not least given the importance of correctly priced forward and long rates in terms of expected returns to future investments and the conduct of monetary policy.

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    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1042-4431(08)00002-4
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    Article provided by Elsevier in its journal Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money.

    Volume (Year): 19 (2009)
    Issue (Month): 2 (April)
    Pages: 258-273

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    Handle: RePEc:eee:intfin:v:19:y:2009:i:2:p:258-273
    Contact details of provider: Web page: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/intfin

    Keywords: Asymmetric adjustment Forward premium Interest rates;

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    Cited by:

    1. Bai, Shuming & Mollick, Andre Varella, 2010. "Currency crisis and the forward discount bias: Evidence from emerging economies under breaks," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 20(5), pages 556-574, December.

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