Nominal versus Indexed Debt: A Quantitative Horse Race

Laura Alfaro and Fabio Kanczuk

No 13131, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: The main arguments in favor and against nominal and indexed debt are the incentive to default through inflation versus hedging against unforeseen shocks. We model and calibrate these arguments to assess their quantitative importance. We use a dynamic equilibrium model with tax distortion, government outlays uncertainty, and contingent-debt service. Our framework also recognizes that contingent debt can be associated with incentive problems and lack of commitment. Thus, the benefits of unexpected inflation are tempered by higher interest rates. We obtain that costs from inflation more than offset the benefits from reducing tax distortions. We further discuss sustainability of nominal debt in developing (volatile) countries.

JEL-codes: E6 H63 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dge, nep-mac and nep-pbe
Note: IFM ME PE
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Published as Alfaro, Laura & Kanczuk, Fabio, 2010. "Nominal versus indexed debt: A quantitative horse race," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 29(8), pages 1706-1726, December.

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Journal Article: Nominal versus indexed debt: A quantitative horse race (2010)
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