Factor decomposition and diversification in European corporate bond markets

In this paper we present an analysis of diversification strategies on portfolios of European corporate bonds. From the perspective of a US-based investor we study whether mean-variance diversification strategies change as a result of the introduction of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Using a comprehensive and unique data set of European corporate bonds we show that country factors are more important than industry factors to describe the cross-section of European corporate bonds. In particular we find that in the Post-EMU period country factors remain important.