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Debt spikes, blind spots, and financial stress

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  • Laura Jaramillo
  • Carlos Mulas†Granados
  • Joao Tovar Jalles

Abstract

Are blind spots of public debt spikes sizable? And how do they affect financial stress indicators? This paper tackles these questions empirically, using information from 179 episodes of public debt spikes between 1945 and 2014. We find that large public debt spikes are neither driven by high primary deficits nor by output declines but instead by stock†flow adjustments. These blind spots in debt dynamics are sizable in both advanced economies and emerging markets and could amount to more than 20% of gross domestic product in the median episode. These public debt spikes increase financial stress indicators significantly, in particular when a large share of public debt is held by domestic commercial banks. Enhanced transparency and better debt forecasting tools could help address financial market tensions resulting from blind spots in debt dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Jaramillo & Carlos Mulas†Granados & Joao Tovar Jalles, 2017. "Debt spikes, blind spots, and financial stress," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(4), pages 421-437, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:ijfiec:v:22:y:2017:i:4:p:421-437
    DOI: 10.1002/ijfe.1598
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    Cited by:

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    2. António Afonso & João Tovar Jalles, 2019. "Stock flow adjustments in sovereign debt dynamics: the role of fiscal frameworks," EconPol Working Paper 20, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    3. Casalin, Fabrizio & Cerniglia, Floriana & Dia, Enzo, 2023. "Stock-flow adjustments, public debt management and interest costs," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    4. M. Ayhan Kose & Peter S. O. Nagle & Franziska Ohnsorge & Naotaka Sugawara, 2020. "Can This Time Be Different? Policy Options in Times of Rising Debt," Koç University-TUSIAD Economic Research Forum Working Papers 2008, Koc University-TUSIAD Economic Research Forum.
    5. Bachleitner, Alena & Prammer, Doris, 2024. "Don’t blame the government!? An assessment of debt forecast errors with a view to the EU Economic Governance Review," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    6. Afonso, António & Jalles, João Tovar, 2020. "Stock flow adjustments in sovereign debt dynamics: The role of fiscal frameworks," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 1-16.

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