This article empirically studies the pricing kernel implicit in option prices. Based on the cross-sectional fits alone, no significant difference can be detected between models with different factor dynamics. A cubic pricing kernel provides almost perfect fits in the sample. Nonlinearity in the...

We investigate the macroeconomic determinants of corporate spreads using a no-arbitrage technique. Structural shocks are identified by a New-Keynesian model. Treasury bonds are priced in an affine model with time-varying risk premia. Corporate bonds are priced in a reduced-form credit risk model...