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Is There a Risk-Return Tradeoff in the Corporate Bond Market? Time-Series and Cross-Sectional Evidence

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  • Jennie Bai
  • Turan G. Bali
  • Quan Wen

Abstract

We provide time-series and cross-sectional evidence on the significance of a risk-return tradeoff in the corporate bond market. We find a significantly positive intertemporal relation between expected return and risk in the bond market and the time-series predictability is driven by aggregate systematic risk instead of aggregate idiosyncratic risk. We also propose a new measure of systematic risk for corporate bonds and find a positive link between systematic risk and the cross-section of future bond returns. We provide an explanation for the significance of systematic (idiosyncratic) risk based on different investor preferences and informational frictions in the bond (equity) market.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennie Bai & Turan G. Bali & Quan Wen, 2019. "Is There a Risk-Return Tradeoff in the Corporate Bond Market? Time-Series and Cross-Sectional Evidence," NBER Working Papers 25995, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:25995
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    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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