Classical asset pricing theory assumes \perfect markets" which means that nancial markets are frictionless. However, in the real world nancial frictions exists. Recently the nancial literature has focused more on these frictions and on how they a ect asset prices. This thesis contributes to the...

The first essay shows that corporate bond issuers derive value from bond underwriter relationship capital. A strong underwriter relationship enables the underwriter to credibly certify the issuer on the bond market which is fundamental for firms when issuing new debt and refinancing maturing...

This paper investigates the determinants of the default risk premia embedded in the European credit default swap spreads. Using a modified version of the intertemporal capital asset pricing model, we show that default risk premia represent compensation for bearing exposure to systematic risk and...

This paper investigates the determinants of the default risk premia embedded in the European credit default swap spreads. Using a modified version of the intertemporal capital asset pricing model, we show that default risk premia represent compensation for bearing exposure to systematic risk and...