This paper investigates how changes in interest rates affect the probability of default (PD) in a general equilibrium model with incomplete markets and collateral requirement. Theoretically, the PD has a positive relationship with the loan real interest rate and negative with the economy real interest rate. Empirically, those relationships are confirmed by the estimation of the Cox proportional hazard model for a large sample of collateralized loans. Among the control variables, there are characteristics of the individuals, contracts, and economy as a whole. Intuitively, a lower real interest rate reduces earnings from financial operations, leading the banks to increase their credit portfolios by lending for riskier individuals.
default probability; incomplete markets; survival analysis
