We examine the relative impact of Moody's and S&P ratings on bond yields and find that at issuance yields on split rated bonds with superior Moody's ratings are, on average, 8 basis points lower than yields on split rated bonds with superior S&P ratings. This pattern suggests that investors...

This paper examines the relationship between split bond ratings and bond yields at the notch level for newly issued corporate bonds. We find that split rated bonds average a 7-basis-point yield premium over non-split rated bonds of similar credit risk. The yield premium increases from 5 basis...

We examine the marginal impact of Fitch ratings on the at-issuance yields of industrial and utility bonds rated by Moody's and S&P. We find that Fitch ratings reduce the yield premiums on information opaque bonds by about 30% or 15 basis points. The finding is robust even when a Fitch rating...