The Term Structure of Interest Rate Differentials in a Target Zone: Theory and Swedish Data

53 Pages Posted: 16 Jul 2004 Last revised: 22 Sep 2022

See all articles by Lars E. O. Svensson

Lars E. O. Svensson

Stockholm School of Economics; Stockholm University - Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

Date Written: June 1990

Abstract

The term structure of interest rate differentials is derived in a model of a small open economy with a target zone exchange rate regime. The target zone is modeled as a regulated Brownian motion. The interest rate differentials are computed as the solution to a parabolic partial differential equation with derivative boundary conditions, both via a Fourier-series analytical solution and via a direct numerical solution. Several specific properties of the term structure of interest rate differentials are derived. For instance, for given time to maturity the interest rate differential is decreasing in the exchange rate, and for given exchange rate the interest rate differential's absolute value and its instantaneous variability are both decreasing in the time to maturity. Devaluation/realignment risks are incorporated and imply upward shifts of the interest rate differentials. Some implications of the theory are found to be broadly consistent with data on Swedish exchange rates and interest differentials for the period 1986-1989.

Suggested Citation

Svensson, Lars E.O., The Term Structure of Interest Rate Differentials in a Target Zone: Theory and Swedish Data (June 1990). NBER Working Paper No. w3374, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=324038

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