A Theory of Endogenous Asset Fire Sales, Bank Runs, and Contagion
52 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016
There are 3 versions of this paper
A Theory of Endogenous Asset Fire Sales, Bank Runs, and Contagion
A Theory of Endogenous Asset Fire Sales, Bank Runs, and Contagion
A Theory of Endogenous Asset Fire Sales, Bank Runs, and Contagion
Date Written: April 18, 2016
Abstract
In a global-games framework, we endogenize asset fire sales, bank runs, and contagion by emphasizing a lack of information: investors can be uncertain whether banks selling assets to fend off runs are insolvent or simply illiquid. However, it is this uncertainty that leads to asset price collapses and runs in the first place. We show that a balanced-budget asset purchase program promotes financial stability by breaking down this vicious cycle. By contrast, increasing capital can exacerbate fire sales in the presence of adverse selection, because runs on well-capitalized banks signal high risks. We also derive implications regarding regulatory disclosure policies.
Keywords: Bank run, Global games, Asymmetric information, Capital, Asset purchase program
JEL Classification: G01, G11, G21
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation