Original sin redux and deviations from covered interest parity

Abstract

Emerging markets (EMs) have increasingly turned to international capital borrowing in their local currencies (LC), leading to considerable LC external debts, particularly after the 2007 global financial crisis. Our study shows that this rise in LC external debts results in more significant deviations from the covered interest rate parity (CIP) between EMs and the US. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to a shift of currency mismatch risk and specific transaction costs from EM borrowers to international investors. As a result, EMs encounter elevated funding costs in comparison to the US, since investors seek higher returns to offset the added risks and expenses linked to LC external debts. Our analysis further underscores that the influence of LC external debts on amplifying CIP deviations is especially notable in EMs marked by substantial currency mismatch risks, such as those with floating exchange rate systems, heightened inflation risks, and significant currency depreciations. Moreover, the presence of stringent capital controls and limited debt market liquidity, which signify high transaction costs, intensify these effects.