Defining, Estimating and Using Credit Term Structures. Part 3: Consistent CDS-Bond Basis

Abstract

In the third part of this series we introduce consistent relative value measures for CDS-Bond basis trades using the bond-implied CDS term structure derived from fitted survival rate curves. We explain why this measure is better than the traditionally used Z-spread or Libor OAS and offer simplified hedging and trading strategies which take advantage of the relative value across the entire range of maturities of cash and synthetic credit markets.