We present new evidence on the structure of interbank connections across key markets: derivatives, marketable securities, repo, unsecured lending and secured lending. Taken together, these markets comprise two networks: a network of interbank exposures and a network of interbank funding. Network structure varies across and within these two networks, for reasons related to markets’ different economic functions. Credit risk and liquidity risk therefore propagate in the interbank system through different network structures. We discuss the implications for financial stability.

A substantial body of research suggests that it is difficult to account for all of the volatility of asset prices in terms of news. This paper attempts to explain the excess volatility puzzle as a consequence of competitive interaction between market participants in the presence of noisy information. We develop a model of competitive interaction between market participants in response to unverified information. Our model shows that in the presence of competitive pressures, market participants find it optimal to act prematurely on unverified information. This premature reaction leads to lower total profits and excess market volatility in equilibrium. Our model also shows that the spike in volatility at the closing time of the market can be modelled as a direct consequence of premature trading.