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An experimental investigation of rating-market regulation

Author

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  • Claudia Keser

    (University of Göttingen)

  • Asri Özgümüs

    (University of Göttingen)

  • Emmanuel Peterle

    (Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CRESE)

  • Martin Schmidt

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))

Abstract

We introduce a simple game-theoretical model that captures the main aspects of the repeated interaction between an issuer and a credit-rating agency. It involves up-front payments of issuer fees and direct publication of requested ratings. Due to pecuniary injuries for untruthful ratings, the credit-rating agency should always report truthfully in the subgame perfect equilibrium. Knowing this, the issuer should never request a rating. Conducting laboratory experiments, we find that behavior significantly deviates from the equilibrium prediction in favor of a cooperative solution: issuers frequently do request ratings, which is often reciprocated with untruthful good ratings.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Keser & Asri Özgümüs & Emmanuel Peterle & Martin Schmidt, 2017. "An experimental investigation of rating-market regulation," Working Papers 2017-07, CRESE.
    • Handle: RePEc:crb:wpaper:2017-07
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2017.09.022
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Weber & John Duffy & Arthur Schram, 2019. "Credit Default Swap Regulation in Experimental Bond Markets," Working Papers on Finance 1905, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance.
    2. Wenming Xu & Yan Liu, 2021. "Does reputational capital affect credit rating agencies?: empirical evidence from a natural experiment in China," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 51(3), pages 433-468, June.
    3. Weber, Matthias & Duffy, John & Schram, Arthur, 2024. "Regulation and the demand for credit default swaps in experimental bond markets," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    4. Anna Bayona & Oana Peia & Razvan Vlahu, 2023. "Credit Ratings and Investments," Working Papers 776, DNB.
    5. Liu, Yan, 2023. "Essays on credit rating agencies in China," Other publications TiSEM b54b3315-1185-48b8-aaf8-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Füllbrunn, Sascha & Neugebauer, Tibor, 2022. "Testing market regulations in experimental asset markets – The case of margin purchases," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 1160-1183.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Game theory; laboratory experiments; rating agencies; regulation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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