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China's no-bailout reform: Impact on bond yields and rating standards

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  • Mo, Guiqing
  • Gao, Zhi
  • Zhou, Lei

Abstract

The Chinese government broke its long-standing practice of bond bailouts in March 2014. The number and value of bond defaults increased substantially in the following years. We investigate bond defaults in China from 2014 to 2019 and examine the impact of no-bailout reform. We find significantly higher yield spreads on lower-rated bonds over AAA bonds after the policy change. Furthermore, we document much lower default rates for SOE bonds than non-SOE bonds and an increased funding advantage of SOEs after March 2014. Surprisingly, credit rating agencies loosened rating standards in response to the policy change, suggesting their caving into issuer demands for higher ratings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mo, Guiqing & Gao, Zhi & Zhou, Lei, 2021. "China's no-bailout reform: Impact on bond yields and rating standards," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:133:y:2021:i:c:s0378426621002387
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2021.106282
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    Cited by:

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    2. Liu, Tianming & Xiong, Haifang & Li, Yifei & Wang, Zhiqiang, 2023. "The flight to safety during credit recovery: The role of implicit government guarantees," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Wang, Hui & Li, Jiarui & Luo, Yixuan, 2024. "Bond yield effects of corporate bond default: Evidence from bond default events of 2014–2022," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).

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