Competition and Selection in Credit Markets

93 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2021 Last revised: 12 Aug 2021

See all articles by Constantine Yannelis

Constantine Yannelis

University of Chicago

Anthony Lee Zhang

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 12, 2021

Abstract

We present both theory and evidence that increased competition may decrease rather than increase consumer welfare in subprime credit markets. We present a model of lending markets with imperfect competition, adverse selection and costly lender screening. In more competitive markets, lenders have lower market shares, and thus lower incentives to monitor borrowers. Thus, when markets are competitive, all lenders face a riskier pool of borrowers, which can lead interest rates to be higher, and consumer welfare to be lower. We provide evidence for the model’s predictions in the auto loan market using administrative credit panel data.

Suggested Citation

Yannelis, Constantine and Zhang, Anthony Lee, Competition and Selection in Credit Markets (August 12, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3882275 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3882275

Constantine Yannelis

University of Chicago ( email )

1101 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Anthony Lee Zhang (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

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