01619cas a2200241 a 4500 AALejournalIMF006778 230101c9999 xx r poo 0 0eng d 5.00 USD 9781455208647 1934-7685 BD-DhAAL BD-DhAAL International Monetary Fund. Panama : Selected Issues Paper. Washington, D.C. : International Monetary Fund, 2010. 1 online resource (30 pages) IMF Staff Country Reports <strong>Off-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required <strong>On-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required Electronic access restricted to authorized BRAC University faculty, staff and students This paper presents empirical evidence on the effects of achieving investment grade on borrowing costs for the sovereign and the private sector. This study provides background information on sovereign credit ratings and compares Panama's key macroeconomic and institutional characteristics with those of other emerging markets. Statistical evidence on the reduction in sovereign spreads associated with obtaining investment grade status and the impact of the sovereign's upgrade on corporate financing costs were also discussed. The model is estimated using a variety of panel regression techniques. Mode of access: Internet IMF Staff Country Reports; Country Report ; No. 2010/315 Full text available on IMF http://elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2010/315/002.2010.issue-315-en.xml IMF e-Library