The thesis of Kristina Reimer provides a comprehensive analysis of
asymmetric cost behavior (also known as cost stickiness) by discussing
its origin and development in the theoretical and empirical research
from the 1920s of the past century up until today. Further, using an
empirical approach, she investigates the implications of asymmetric cost
behavior for credit and financial risk of a firm. In addition, she
provides an introduction into credit risk fundamentals by focusing on
credit default swaps. Thereby she analyses the development of credit
default swap market as well as the components of credit spreads.
Finally, she provides several suggestions for future research.