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Contribution Details

Type Working Paper
Scope Discipline-based scholarship
Title Time-varying international diversification and the forward premium
Organization Unit
Authors
  • Benjamin Jonen
  • Simon Scheuring
Language
  • English
Institution Social Science Research Network
Series Name SSRN
Number 1787370
ISSN 1556-5068
Number of Pages 20
Date 2011
Abstract Text This paper reproduces the slope of the uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) regression for six different country pairs within one standard deviation under rational expectations. While standard theory predicts a slope of one, the empirically observed slope of the regression of currency returns on the interest rate differential between two countries is negative for most country pairs. This empirical fact that, on average, investors require higher returns on bonds denominated in a currency expected to appreciate, poses a strong challenge for economic models. In this paper, we propose a potential explanation within an infinite horizon dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with incomplete markets. Heterogenous investors experience varying risk aversion as a result of habit formation. The underlying mechanism of the model relies on varying international diversification in the investors’ portfolio choice decision. In response to their changing habit levels, investors’ hedging desire varies over time, leading to adjustments in interest rates. The habit-induced investment decisions are negatively correlated with exchange rate movements. This leads to a negative correlation between interest rates and expected exchange rates, as implied by a negative UIP slope. Depending on the magnitude of habits, the model is capable of reproducing positive as well as negative UIP slopes, as seen empirically in the data.
Official URL http://ssrn.com/abstract=1787370
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Additional Information Paper wird an SwiNG Scientific Advisory Council 2011 präsentiert.