We develop a four-factor model intended to capture size, value, and credit rating transition patterns in excess returns for a panel of predominantly mid- and large-cap entities. Using credit transition matrices and rating histories from 48 US issuers, we provide evidence to support a...

This article provides a generalized two-firm model of default correlation, based on the structural approach that incorporates interest rate risk. In most structural models default is driven by the firms' asset dynamics. In this article, a two-firm model of default is instead driven by the...

A model is presented that shows when (Basel Accord) capital standards and (FDIC) insurance premiums primarily reflect a bank's physical expected default losses, a bank can increase its shareholder value by making loans and investing in bonds that have relatively high systematic risk. Such an...

Rating migration variation or volatility, as rating migration uncertainty, is a real-life phenomenon, that can be measured empirically. The study extends reduced form bond valuation models based on rating migration (matrices), by allowing variation in the rating migration matrix, as opposed to...