Author

Contributions

  • Kanczuk, Fabio, 1969- - Contributor
  • National Bureau of Economic Research. - Contributor

Publication

2007 - National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Mass, Massachusetts

Language

English

Word Count

9,000 words, Guess

Page Count

36 pages

Identifiers

Description

We model and calibrate the arguments in favor and against short-term and long-term debt. These arguments broadly include: maturity premium, sustainability, and service smoothing. We use a dynamic equilibrium model with tax distortions and government outlays uncertainty, and model maturity as the fraction of debt that needs to be rolled over every period. In the model, the benefits of defaulting are tempered by higher future interest rates. We then calibrate our artificial economy and solve for the optimal debt maturity for Brazil as an example of a developing country and the U.S. as an example of a mature economy. We obtain that the calibrated costs from defaulting on long-term debt more than offset costs associated with short-term debt. Therefore, short-term debt implies higher welfare levels.

Subjects

Topics

Public DebtsMathematical modelsDebts, Public -- Mathematical modelsDebts, Public -- Brazil -- Mathematical modelsDebts, Public -- United States -- Mathematical models

Series Statement

  • NBER working paper series -- no. 13119.
  • Working paper series (National Bureau of Economic Research) -- no. 13119.

Links

Other Editions

  • Debt maturity: is long-term debt optimal?National Bureau of Economic Research2007-01-01

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