Austerity

A-Tier
Journal: Economic Journal
Year: 2021
Volume: 131
Issue: 634
Pages: 697-712

Authors (2)

Harris Dellas (not in RePEc) Dirk Niepelt (Universität Bern)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We study the optimal debt and investment decisions of a sovereign with private information. The separating equilibrium is characterised by a cap on the current account. A sovereign repays debt amount due that exceeds default costs in order to signal creditworthiness and smooth consumption. Accepting funding conditional on investment/reforms relaxes borrowing constraints, even when investment does not create collateral, but it depresses current consumption. The model contains the signalling elements emphasised by creditors in the Greek austerity programmes and is consistent with the reduction in the loans issued by Greece and their interest rate following the 2015 election.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:econjl:v:131:y:2021:i:634:p:697-712.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25