Exposure to Real Estate Losses: Evidence from the US Banks

Author/Editor:

Marcelo Pinheiro ; Deniz O Igan

Publication Date:

April 1, 2009

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

We implement a three-step procedure to assess the extent of exposure to real estate in commercial banks. First, we demonstrate interest rates and income to be the major determinants of delinquency. Then, we adopt a stress testing approach to calculate the impact of any adverse changes in these determinants. This suggests that a 1.3 percentage point increase in mortgage interest rate leads to a 20 percent decrease in a typical bank's distance to default. Finally, we look at the cross-sectional differences and indentify the banks with rapid loan growth along with high cost-income ratio as the most vulnerable.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2009/079

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 2009

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451872262/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2009079

Pages:

33

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org