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On the determinants of expected corporate bond returns in Tunisia

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  • Hammami, Yacine
  • Bahri, Maha

Abstract

In this paper, we document that ratings in the Tunisian bond market are the most important determinant of expected corporate bond returns. When we account for this characteristic, we find that systematic risks do not explain the cross-section of expected bond returns. These findings are obtained for a wide range of systematic factors, so the omitted variables problem cannot justify the failure of asset pricing models to explain expected corporate bond returns in Tunisia. Mispricing due to pessimistic investors or their inability to hold diversifiable bond portfolios are likely to explain why characteristics fare better than betas in explaining bond returns in Tunisia.

Suggested Citation

  • Hammami, Yacine & Bahri, Maha, 2016. "On the determinants of expected corporate bond returns in Tunisia," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 224-235.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:38:y:2016:i:c:p:224-235
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2016.04.015
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    2. Machokoto, Michael & Mahonye, Nyasha & Makate, Marshall, 2022. "Short-term financing sources in Africa: Substitutes or complements?," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bond pricing; Ratings; Default risk; Liquidity risk; Political risk; Emerging markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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