Pay high in good times, pay low in bad times

The paper examines the applicability of GDP-linked bonds for the financing of developing countries. These bonds are characterised by tying the coupon and|or redemption payments to the GDP of the issuing country. Along with an analysis of their pricing behaviour and of their behaviour in a portfolio context, the study also encompasses a survey amongst financial experts in order to assess the prospects of success of this type of bond. Finally, the usefulness of a partial public guarantee of payments is examined. The paper provides evidence under which circumstances, for which investors and for which countries, GDP-linked bonds might be an appropriate investment vehicle. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.