A contraction for sovereign debt models

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Theory
Year: 2019
Volume: 183
Issue: C
Pages: 842-875

Authors (2)

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

Using a dual representation, we show that the Markov equilibria of the one-period-bond Eaton and Gersovitz (1981) incomplete markets sovereign debt model can be represented as a fixed point of a contraction mapping, providing a new proof of the uniqueness and existence of equilibrium in the benchmark sovereign debt model. The arguments can be extended to incorporate re-entry probabilities after default when the shock process is iid. Our representation of the equilibrium bears many similarities to an optimal contracting problem. We use this to argue that commitment to budget rules has no value to a benevolent government. We show how the introduction of long-term bonds breaks the link to the constrained planning problem.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jetheo:v:183:y:2019:i:c:p:842-875
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24