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Journal Article
Corporate Interest Expenses Are Expected to Increase Further
Although firm leverage has fallen from pandemic highs, rising interest rates have raised firms’ interest expenses. The effects of this monetary policy tightening are likely to continue unfolding over the next few years. As low-yield, fixed-rate corporate debt issued during the pandemic matures, firms may need to refinance this debt at higher rates, further increasing their interest expenses. However, most corporations are well-positioned to carry these interest expenses so long as their earnings remain stable.
Report
Interest Expenses, Coverage Ratio, and Firm Distress
Historically, the pass-through of federal funds rate increases into firms’ interest expenses has been incomplete and delayed, with the peak responses occurring about one year after a policy rate increase. These findings indicate that current corporate interest rate expenses will continue to increase, even absent any additional rate hikes going forward. Higher interest expenses can lead to firm distress and defaults, which have adverse effects on employment and investment. These effects can be amplified through the financial accelerator channel.