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Consumer Loans, Heterogeneous Interest Rates, and Inequality

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Listed:
  • Bonomo, M.
  • Cavalcanti, T.
  • Chertman, F.
  • Hannon, A.
  • Santos, C.

Abstract

Consumer loans are key for consumption smoothing. But what if individuals who need them the most find it harder to access these loans? We examine this question empirically and quantitatively, using Brazilian credit registry and matched employer-employee data. Low-income individuals face higher interest rates, even after controlling for several risk factors and characteristics. Our model includes life-cycle dynamics, different credit types, occupations, and income shocks with endogenous default. According to the calibrated model, reforms reducing loan interest rate spreads could significantly benefit individuals, especially young and poor informal workers. The pro-competition 2013 Loan Portability reform increased welfare by 0.2% of annual consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonomo, M. & Cavalcanti, T. & Chertman, F. & Hannon, A. & Santos, C., 2025. "Consumer Loans, Heterogeneous Interest Rates, and Inequality," Janeway Institute Working Papers 2501, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camjip:2501
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. DeFusco, Anthony A. & Tang, Huan & Yannelis, Constantine, 2022. "Measuring the welfare cost of asymmetric information in consumer credit markets," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(3), pages 821-840.
    6. Fonseca, Julia & Matray, Adrien, 2024. "Financial inclusion, economic development, and inequality: Evidence from Brazil," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interest rates; interest spreads; dispersion; inequality; credit markets; consumption smoothing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • G51 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Household Savings, Borrowing, Debt, and Wealth
    • G53 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Financial Literacy

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