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Geopolitical Risk and Emerging Markets Sovereign Risk Premia

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  • Fredy Gamboa-Estrada
  • José Vicente Romero

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of sovereign risk, focusing on the impact of geopolitical risk in emerging market economies (EMEs) sovereign risk metrics. Using local projection techniques, we evaluate the effects of geopolitical risk on credit default swaps (CDS) and EMBI indices in EMEs, including the recent war between Ukraine and Russia. Our findings highlight the significance of considering geopolitical risk when analyzing risk premiums for emerging markets. Notably, we find that the impact of geopolitical risk shocks on CDS is higher than the effect on EMBI spread dynamics. Furthermore, using recursive estimations, we show that the effect of geopolitical risk on sovereign CDS and EMBI spreads has been relatively stable. On the other hand, we find an important degree of heterogeneity across countries by analyzing evidence from individual countries. Some countries in our sample seem statistically unaffected by geopolitical risk, particularly when examining EMBI dynamics. **** RESUMEN: Este estudio examina los determinantes del riesgo soberano, centrándose en el impacto del riesgo geopolítico en las métricas para una muestra de mercados emergentes (EMEs). Utilizando técnicas de proyección local, evaluamos los efectos del riesgo geopolítico en los swaps de incumplimiento crediticio (CDS) y en los índices EMBI, incluyendo la reciente guerra entre Ucrania y Rusia. Nuestros hallazgos resaltan la importancia de considerar el riesgo geopolítico al analizar las primas de riesgo para los mercados emergentes. En particular, encontramos que el impacto de los choques de riesgo geopolítico en los CDS es mayor que el efecto en la dinámica del EMBI. Además, utilizando estimaciones recursivas, mostramos que el efecto del riesgo geopolítico en los CDS soberanos y en el EMBI ha sido relativamente estable. Por otro lado, presentamos evidencia de un importante grado de heterogeneidad entre los países al examinar las estimaciones de países individuales. Algunos países de nuestra muestra parecen no estar afectados por el riesgo geopolítico, particularmente al examinar la dinámica del EMBI.

Suggested Citation

  • Fredy Gamboa-Estrada & José Vicente Romero, 2024. "Geopolitical Risk and Emerging Markets Sovereign Risk Premia," Borradores de Economia 1282, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdr:borrec:1282
    DOI: 10.32468/be.1282
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    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • F37 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Finance Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

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