An Econometric Model of the Term Structure of Interest-Rate Swap Yields
J. OF FINANCE, Vol. 52 No. 4, September 1997
Posted: 22 Oct 1997
Abstract
This paper develops a multi-factor econometric model of the term structure of interest-rate swap yields. The model accommodates the possibility of counterparty default and any differences in the liquidities of the Treasury and Swap markets. By parameterizing a model of swap rates directly, we are able to compute model-based estimates of the defaultable zero coupon bond rates implicit in the swap market without having to specify a priori the dependence of these rates on default hazard or recovery rates. The time series analysis of spreads between zero-coupon swap and treasury yields reveals that both credit and liquidity factors were important sources of variation in swap spreads over the past decade.
JEL Classification: G12, G13, E43
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