The Effect of Default and Conversion Options on Bond Duration

Abstract

This article examines the effect of default and conversion option on bond duration. Empirical evidence shows that default risk decreases bond duration, excluding the case of investment-grade bonds with a short-term maturity. Furthermore, controlling for default risk effect, the conversion option decreases bond duration for equity-like and mixed bonds. Finally, the joint effect of default and conversion risk decreases bond duration for all convertible bonds.