A Preferred‐Habitat Model of the Term Structure of Interest Rates

S-Tier
Journal: Econometrica
Year: 2021
Volume: 89
Issue: 1
Pages: 77-112

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We model the term structure of interest rates that results from the interaction between investors with preferences for specific maturities and risk‐averse arbitrageurs. Shocks to the short rate are transmitted to long rates through arbitrageurs' carry trades. Arbitrageurs earn rents from transmitting the shocks through bond risk premia that relate positively to the slope of the term structure. When the short rate is the only risk factor, changes in investor demand have the same relative effect on interest rates across maturities regardless of the maturities where they originate. When investor demand is also stochastic, demand effects become more localized. A calibration indicates that long rates underreact to forward‐guidance announcements about short rates. Large‐scale asset purchases can be more effective in moving long rates, especially if they are concentrated at long maturities.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:emetrp:v:89:y:2021:i:1:p:77-112
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29