We present a discrete time model of expected bond returns (EBR). These are ex-ante expectations implied by the market prices and the data set available when bond prices are quoted. The model can be used to estimate the rating-adjusted EBR, its risk premium components, including a certainty...

Merton (1974) suggested a structural model for default prediction which allows using timely information from the equity market. The literature describes several specifications to the application of the model, including methods presumably used by practitioners. However, recent studies demonstrate...