Explaining the Cyclical Volatility of Consumer Debt Risk

Carlos Madeira

Working Papers Central Bank of Chile from Central Bank of Chile

Abstract: Previous studies of consumer debt risk estimate low sensitivities to negative economic shocks, contradicting the historical data. This work proposes a heterogeneous agents' model of household finances and credit risk. Families suffer labor income shocks and choose from a menu of new loans contracts, defaulting on debt commitments when unable to finance minimum consumption standards. Using survey data I simulate household credit default for Chile over the last 20 years, replicating successfully the highs and lows of consumer delinquency. Households, especially those of low income, are shown to be highly vulnerable to changes in interest rates, credit maturities and liquidity.

Date: 2016-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ban and nep-mac
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:chb:bcchwp:772

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