The relative popularity of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) varies considerably both across countries and over time. We ask how movements in current and expected future interest rates affect the share of ARMs in total mortgage issuance. Using a nine-country panel...

The relative popularity of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and fixed-rate mort- gages (FRMs) varies considerably both across countries and over time. We ask how movements in current and expected future interest rates affect the share of ARMs in total mortgage issuance. Using a nine-country...

The relative popularity of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and fixed-rate mort- gages (FRMs) varies considerably both across countries and over time. We ask how movements in current and expected future interest rates affect the share of ARMs in total mortgage issuance. Using a nine-country...

We propose a novel supply-side channel for the transmission of macroprudential policy. We exploit a unique policy experiment that tightens collateral requirements differentially across mortgage contract types, and document a composition change towards borrowers that have higher debt-to-income...

In an attempt to keep up with the social standards defined by their peer group, households can use long-term collateralised lending to finance purchases of goods that signal social value - most notably, real estate. Because in the social status game somebody's advance is always somebody else's...