Fixed Or Variable Rate Choice In The Commercial Bank Business Loan Market

Abstract

We study the choice available to business borrowers and lenders between fixed rate and variable rate bank loans. Unlike previous studies that examine residential mortgage loans, this analysis examines commercial and industrial loans. Business loans differ in attributes from mortgage loans and hence provide an opportunity to test determinants of the mortgage loan choice decision for other loan types. The diversity of business loans also permits tests of any effect which lender size and borrower size may have on the choice decision. Using a continuous index of preferences for the variable rate commercial loan, we find that the determinants of the business loan choice decision are different from the determinants of the mortgage loan choice decision. In contrast to prior research, we find strong evidence contradicting the proposition that variable rate loans are merely a response to high and variable interest rates. Further, this the first study to reveal size as a determinant of loan choice. Larger banks and larger borrowers have a greater preference for variable rate loans. Our results combined with the consolidation occurring among banks leads to the conclusion that the observed shift to variable rate bank loans is not transitory, and poses a significant risk for businesses with asset returns uncorrelated with short-term loan rates.