This paper explores the economic role credit rating agencies play in the corporate bond market. We consider three existing theories about multiple ratings: information production, rating shopping and regulatory certification. Using differences in rating composition, default prediction and credit...

This paper explores the role played by multiple credit rating agencies (CRAs) in the market for corporate bonds. Moody's, Samp;P and Fitch operate in a competitive setting with market demand for both credit information and the certification value of a high rating. We empirically document the...

This paper explores the economic role credit rating agencies play in the corporate bond market. We consider three existing theories about multiple ratings: information production, rating shopping and regulatory certification. Using differences in rating composition, default prediction and credit...