The Value of Institutions for Financial Markets: Evidence from Emerging Markets

23 Pages Posted: 11 Mar 2009

See all articles by Thomas Stratmann

Thomas Stratmann

George Mason University - Buchanan Center Political Economy; George Mason University - Mercatus Center; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Bernardin Akitoby

International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Fiscal Affairs Department

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: February 2009

Abstract

This paper investigates the value of political institutions for financial markets, using panel data from emerging market countries. We test the hypothesis that changes in political institutions, such as improvements in democratic rights and increased government accountability, have a direct effect on sovereign interest rate spreads. We find that financial markets value institutions over and above the economic and fiscal outcomes these institutions shape. Democracy and accountability generally lower sovereign spreads, political risk tends to increase them, and financial markets tend to view election years negatively.

Keywords: Capital markets, Financial sector, Political economy, Governance, Social policy, Emerging markets, Cross country analysis, Economic models

Suggested Citation

Stratmann, Thomas and Akitoby, Bernardin, The Value of Institutions for Financial Markets: Evidence from Emerging Markets (February 2009). IMF Working Paper No. 09/27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1356455

Thomas Stratmann (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Buchanan Center Political Economy ( email )

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George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://www.mercatus.org/scholars/thomas-stratmann

CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

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Bernardin Akitoby

International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Fiscal Affairs Department ( email )

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Washington, DC 20431
United States

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