The EMBI in Latin America: Fractional Integration, Non-Linearities and Breaks
21 Pages Posted: 22 Dec 2015
Date Written: November 30, 2015
Abstract
This paper analyses the main statistical properties of the Emerging Market Bond Index (EMBI), namely long-range dependence or persistence, non-linearities, and structural breaks, in four Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela). For this purpose it uses a fractional integration framework and both parametric and semi-parametric methods. The evidence based on the former is sensitive to the specification for the error terms, whilst the results from the latter are more conclusive in ruling out mean reversion. Further, non-linearities do not appear to be present. Both recursive and rolling window methods identify a number of breaks. Overall, the evidence of long-range dependence as well as breaks suggests that active policies might be necessary for achieving financial and economic stability in these countries.
Keywords: emerging markets, EMBI, fractional integration, non-linearities
JEL Classification: C220, G120, F630
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation