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Effects of eligibility for central bank purchases on corporate bond spreads

Author

Listed:
  • Taneli Mäkinen
  • Fan Li
  • Andrea Mercatanti
  • Andrea Silvestrini

Abstract

The causal effect of the European Central Bank's corporate bond purchase program on bond spreads in the primary market is evaluated,making use of a novel regression discontinuity design. The results indicate that the program did not, on average, permanently alter the yield spreads of eligible bonds relative to those of noneligible. Combined with evidence from previous studies, this finding suggests the effects of central bank asset purchase programs are in no way limited to the prices of the specific assets acquired.

Suggested Citation

  • Taneli Mäkinen & Fan Li & Andrea Mercatanti & Andrea Silvestrini, 2020. "Effects of eligibility for central bank purchases on corporate bond spreads," BIS Working Papers 894, Bank for International Settlements.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:biswps:894
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    1. Yuriy Kitsul & Oleg Sokolinskiy & Jonathan H. Wright, 2022. "Market Effects of Central Bank Credit Markets Support Programs in Europe," International Finance Discussion Papers 1357, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    2. Christian Pfister & Natacha Valla, 2021. "Financial Stability Is Easier to Green Than Monetary Policy," Intereconomics: Review of European Economic Policy, Springer;ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics;Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), vol. 56(3), pages 154-159, May.
    3. Simone Letta & Pasquale Mirante, 2023. "Investigating the determinants of corporate bond credit spreads in the euro area," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 36, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    4. Cohen, Lior, 2022. "Examining QE’s bang for the Buck: Does Quantitative easing reduce credit and liquidity risks and stimulate real economic activity?," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    asset purchase programs; corporate bonds; causal inference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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