This paper provides a tractable framework to assess how the structure of debt instruments—specifically by currency denomination and indexation to GDP—can raise the debt limit of a sovereign. By calibrating the model to different country fundamentals, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to optimal instrument design. For instance, low income countries may find benefit in issuing local currency debt; while in advanced economies debt tolerance can be substantially enhanced through issuing GDP-linked bonds. By looking at the marginal impact of these instruments, the paper also provides insight into the optimal portfolio compostion.

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Contents: (1) Introduction: The Debt Limit and the Treasury; Why Have a Debt Limit?; (2) A Brief History of the Federal Debt Limit: Origins of the Federal Debt Limit; World War II and After; (3) The Debt Ceiling in the Last Decade: The Debt Limit Issue in 2002: Resolving the Debt Limit Issue in 2002; The Debt Limit Issue in 2003; The Debt Limit Issue in 2004; The Debt Limit Issue in 2005, 2006, and 2007; The Economic Slowdown and Federal Debt; Fiscal Policy Considerations; Raising the Debt Ceiling in 2008 and 2009; Revised Deficit Estimates; (4) Concluding Comments; (5) Further Reading. Charts and tables.