No abstract

Linear Vector Autoregression (VAR) models provide a useful starting point for analysing multivariate relationships between economic variables. They are frequently used for empirical macroeconomic modelling, policy analysis and forecasting. However, linear VAR systems fail to capture non-linear dynamics such as regime switching and asymmetric responses to shocks, suggested by the recent theoretical developments in macroeconomic research. In addition, an increasing body of empirical evidence suggests that the linear conditional expectations implied by standard VAR models do not always accord with the observed facts. For example, a significant number of empirical studies document asymmetries in the effects of monetary policy on output growth. This paper employs a more general nonlinear VAR methodology to re-examine previous findings that credit market conditions contribute to economic fluctuations as a propagator of shocks. Unlike linear projections it allows for nonlinear dynamics and asymmetric effects of shocks. We estimate a threshold vector autoregression (TVAR), in which the system's dynamics change back and forth between credit constrained and unconstrained regimes. Using generalised impulse response functions (GIRF) generated from the estimated nonlinear model, we examine the real effects of monetary policy. We find evidence of asymmetry in the effects of monetary policy in the credit constrained and unconstrained regimes as well as different output effects of monetary contractions and expansions.

Monetary policy contractions exacerbate credit constraints stemming from asymmetric information, incentive problems and limited collateral. During such periods financial intermediaries reduce the supply of credit to smaller businesses. Although trade credit is a less desirable alternative of corporate financing, it may play a special role in alleviating credit rationing. This paper is an empirical investigation of the interaction of monetary policy, credit market conditions and corporate financing over the business cycle. It provides a simple test of the existence of a credit channel of monetary policy transmissions. Using individual firm data we find that during periods of tight money the proportion of bank-borrowing constrained firms increases. Borrowing constrained films are found to substitute away from bank credit to trade credit. Such evidence supports the existence of a credit channel of monetary policy transmission: firms do not voluntarily cut bank loans (e.g. because of demand slowdown) since they increase their demand for a less desirable alternative (trade credit). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

I develop a conceptual framework for analyzing the effect of the availability of institutional loans on firms' demand for supplier (trade) finance. I test for the existence of credit constraints and their effect on corporate financing policies. My empirical results support the hypothesis that trade credit is taken up by firms as a substitute for institutional finance at the margin when they are credit constrained. Further, in line with studies on the credit channel of monetary policy transmission, I find an increased reliance on trade credit by financially constrained firms during periods of tight money. Copyright (c) 2007 Financial Management Association International.

Do capital markets reflect the possibility that fossil fuel reserves may become "stranded assets" in the transition to a low carbon economy? We examine the relation between oil firms' value and their proved reserves. Using a sample of 600 North American oil firms for the period 1999 to 2018, we document that while reserves are an important component of oil firm value, the growth of these reserves has a negative effect on firm value. This negative effect on value is stronger for oil producers with higher extraction costs. When we decompose total reserves into developed and undeveloped reserves, we show that the negative effect of reserves growth on value is due to firms growing their undeveloped oil reserves. Unlike developed, undeveloped reserves require major capital expenditures and longer time before they can be extracted. We also document that the negative effect is stronger for undeveloped oil reserves located in countries with strict climate policies. Our evidence is consistent with markets penalizing future investment in undeveloped reserves growth due to climate policy risk. High level of institutional ownership, stock market liquidity and analyst coverage do not change the negative effect of undeveloped reserves growth on firm value.