What effect did AIG's bailout, and the preceding events, have on its competitors?

We examine the effect of American International Group's (AIG) bailout, and the events leading up to it, on its insurance industry rivals. The reaction of rivals to AIG-related events depends on the relative strength of two competing effects. The contagion effect implies that rival returns will decrease following negative events affecting AIG. In contrast, competitive effects will occur if investors expect that rivals will be able to benefit from AIG's downfall. Using three-factor multivariate regression model event study methodology, we find evidence of both effects around several key dates in AIG's decline.