Contagion effects of the USA credit crunch

Following the collapse of the American housing market and the credit crunch, the financial markets of South America headed in similar, downward direction during 2007 and the beginning of 2008. As the crisis developed, other markets which were not directly linked to the American housing market, were affected because of the problems of measuring the value of mortgages. The spreading of the financial problems from the housing market to other markets with no fundamental link is an example of contagion which has not been yet fully researched in this relatively new and unknown crisis. This book, therefore, addresses the credit crunch faced in the American housing market by discussing conceptual issues about contagion and test for increased correlation during the crisis period compared to a control group. The results obtained in this thesis suggest patterns of contagion during the credit crisis in America. The analysis and the empirical research should help shed some light on contagion effects of the USA credit crunch and should be especially useful to professionals in Finance and Economic fields, or anyone else who may considering researching the USA credit crunch.