Gustavo Ferro

Models for predicting default: towards efficient forecasts

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to assess and compare the forecast ability of existing credit risk models, answering three questions: Can these methods adequately predict default events? Are there dominant methods? Is it safer to rely on a mix of methodologies? Design/methodology/approach - – The authors examine four existing models: O-score, Z-score, Campbell, and Merton distance to default model (MDDM). The authors compare their ability to forecast defaults using three techniques: intra-cohort analysis, power curves and discrete hazard rate models. Findings - – The authors conclude that better predictions demand a mix of models containing accounting and market information. The authors found evidence of the O-scores outperformance relative to the other models. The MDDM alone in the sample is not a sufficient default predictor. But discrete hazard rate models suggest that combining both should enhance default prediction models. Research limitations/implications - – The analysed methods alone cannot adequately predict defaults. The authors found no dominant methods. Instead, it would be advisable to rely on a mix of methodologies, which use complementary information. Practical implications - – Better forecasts demand a mix of models containing both accounting and market information. Originality/value - – The findings suggest that more precise default prediction models can be built by combining information from different sources in reduced-form models and combining default prediction models that can analyze said information.

Gains and Losses of Adopting New Standards of Corporate Governance: A CGE Analysis of Argentina

This book analyses the complex relationship between corporate governance and economic development by focusing on the reform of corporate governance, the role of the legal system, and the interconnections with the financial system.