European Financial Markets Integration and the Politics of Credit Rating Agencies: An Econometric Approach to Study Microeconomic Dynamics and Sustainability

On sovereign credit default swaps markets, contagion serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of global financial systems. Like ripples in a pond, the impact of sovereign default or downgrades can cascade across borders, highlighting the intricate web of dependencies among nations. Utilizing sovereign CDS spreads between 2006-2020 on local European markets, the study employs an event study methodology to assess the effects of rating changes on CDS spreads, focusing on negative events such as sovereign rating downgrades. The findings reveal that negative events have a greater impact on the CDS market than positive events, abnormal returns are higher during economic crises, and states with public debt exceeding the Maastricht criteria experience higher abnormal returns. These results suggest that investors are sensitive to adverse news and risk factors, see opportunities for profit during economic turmoil, and closely monitor fiscal sustainability metrics. Understanding and managing contagion risk in these markets requires not only vigilance but also cooperation and coordination among policymakers and market participants.