We introduce a class of flexible and tractable static factor models for the joint term structure of default probabilities, the factor copula models. These high dimensional models remain parsimonious with pair copula constructions, and nest numerous standard models as special cases. With finitely supported random losses, the loss distributions of credit portfolios and derivatives can be exactly and efficiently computed. Numerical examples on collateral debt obligation (CDO), CDO squared, and credit index swaption illustrate the versatility of our framework. An empirical exercise shows that a simple model specification can fit credit index tranche prices.
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