Abstract
We present an equilibrium production economy in which default occurs in equilibrium. The borrower chooses optimal default and consumption policies, taking into account that default is costly and the lender gains access to the technology upon default. We derive asset prices and default premia in this economy. The borrower's relative risk aversion in wealth increases with decreases in wealth due to the increased possibility of default at low wealth levels. This produces a time-varying pricing kernel and a countercyclical equity premium. We thus provide an equilibrium rationale for the default premium to influence expected asset returns.
Full Citation
Journal of Business
vol.
78
,
(May 01, 2005):
997
-1021
.