Asymmetric Effects of Return and Volatility on Correlation between International Equity Markets

Asymmetric Effects of Return and Volatility on Correlation between International Equity Markets PDF Author: Abderrahim Taamouti
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
How the correlation between equity returns behaves during market turmoils has been an issue of discussion in the international finance literature. Some research suggest an increase of correlation during volatile periods [Ang and Bekaert, 2002], while others argue its stability [Forbes and Rigobon, 2002]. In this paper, we study the impact of returns and volatility on correlation between international equity markets. Our objective is to determine if there is any asymmetry in correlation and identify the main explanation for this asymmetry. Within a framework of autoregressive models we quantify the relationship between return, volatility, and correlation using the generalized impulse response function and we test for the asymmetries in the return-correlation and volatility-correlation relationships. We also examine the implications of these asymmetric effects for the optimal international portfolio. Empirical evidence using weekly data on US, Canada, UK, and France equity indices, show that without taking into account the effect of return, there is an asymmetric impact of volatility on correlation. The volatility seems to have more impact on correlation during market upturn periods than during downturn periods. However, once we introduce the effect of return, the asymmetric impact of volatility on correlation disappears. These observations suggest that, the relation between volatility and correlation is an association rather than a causality. The strong increase in the correlation is driven by the market direction and the level of return rather than the level of the volatility. These results are confirmed using some tests of the asymmetry in volatility-correlation and return-correlation relationships in separate models and then in a joint model. Finally, we find that taking into account the asymmetric effect of return on correlation leads to an average financial gain ranged between 3.35 and 37.25 basis points for optimal international diversification.

Asymmetric Effects of Return and Volatility on Correlation between International Equity Markets

Asymmetric Effects of Return and Volatility on Correlation between International Equity Markets PDF Author: Abderrahim Taamouti
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
How the correlation between equity returns behaves during market turmoils has been an issue of discussion in the international finance literature. Some research suggest an increase of correlation during volatile periods [Ang and Bekaert, 2002], while others argue its stability [Forbes and Rigobon, 2002]. In this paper, we study the impact of returns and volatility on correlation between international equity markets. Our objective is to determine if there is any asymmetry in correlation and identify the main explanation for this asymmetry. Within a framework of autoregressive models we quantify the relationship between return, volatility, and correlation using the generalized impulse response function and we test for the asymmetries in the return-correlation and volatility-correlation relationships. We also examine the implications of these asymmetric effects for the optimal international portfolio. Empirical evidence using weekly data on US, Canada, UK, and France equity indices, show that without taking into account the effect of return, there is an asymmetric impact of volatility on correlation. The volatility seems to have more impact on correlation during market upturn periods than during downturn periods. However, once we introduce the effect of return, the asymmetric impact of volatility on correlation disappears. These observations suggest that, the relation between volatility and correlation is an association rather than a causality. The strong increase in the correlation is driven by the market direction and the level of return rather than the level of the volatility. These results are confirmed using some tests of the asymmetry in volatility-correlation and return-correlation relationships in separate models and then in a joint model. Finally, we find that taking into account the asymmetric effect of return on correlation leads to an average financial gain ranged between 3.35 and 37.25 basis points for optimal international diversification.

Asymmetric Volatility and Risk in Equity Markets

Asymmetric Volatility and Risk in Equity Markets PDF Author: Geert Bekaert
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Investments
Languages : en
Pages : 76

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Book Description
It appears that volatility in equity markets is asymmetric: returns and conditional volatility are negatively correlated. We provide a unified framework to simultaneously investigate asymmetric volatility at the firm and the market level and to examine two potential explanations of the asymmetry: leverage effects and time-varying risk premiums. Our empirical application uses the market portfolio and portfolios with different leverage constructed from Nikkei 225 stocks, extending the empirical evidence on asymmetry to Japanese stocks. Although volatility asymmetry is present and significant at the market and the portfolio levels, its source differs across portfolios. We find that it is important to include leverage ratios in the volatility dynamics but that their economic effects are mostly dwarfed by the volatility feedback mechanism. Volatility feedback is enhanced by a phenomenon that we term covariance asymmetry: conditional covariances with the market increase only significantly following negative market news. We do not find significant asymmetries in conditional betas.

Switching Volatility in International Equity Markets

Switching Volatility in International Equity Markets PDF Author: Raul Susmel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
In this paper, we analyze the behavior of time-varying volatility, when structural changes are allowed in international stock markets. We use a recent model developed by Hamilton and Susmel (1994), the SWARCH model, which is a more general specification than the popular ARCH model. We fit an exponential SWARCH (E-SWARCH) model to eight series of weekly returns from international stock markets. Under the SWARCH model, we find that ARCH and asymmetric effects are significantly reduced. We also find, however, that when compared to a standard GARCH-t model, the benefits of a SWARCH model are marginal. Using the ability of the Hamilton (1989) filter to date states, we use the switching model to date volatility states. We compare these states and conclude that with the exception of Japan and the U.K., and the U.S. and Canada, the domestic volatility states tend to be independent of foreign volatility states. For these two pairs, we find evidence for common volatility states.

Price Volatility and Volume Spillovers Between the Tokyo and New York Stock Markets

Price Volatility and Volume Spillovers Between the Tokyo and New York Stock Markets PDF Author: Takatoshi Itō
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Rate of return
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description
This paper presents a comprehensive study of the interactions among returns, volatility, and trading volume between the U.S. and Japanese stock markets by using intradaily data from October 1985 to December 1991. By examining the effect of foreign price volatility and trading volume on correlations between foreign and domestic stock returns, the paper aims to distinguish between the market contagion and informational efficiency hypotheses in order to explain the cause of international transmission of stock returns and volatility. Major findings are three-fold: (1) contemporaneous correlations of stock returns across these two markets are significant and tend to increase during a high volatility period, which support the informational efficiency hypothesis; (2) lagged volatility and volume spillovers are not found across the two markets; (3) the effect of the New York stock returns on the Tokyo returns exhibits a structural change in October 1987.

The Asymmetric Effect of the Business Cycle on the Relation between Stock Market Returns and Their Volatility

The Asymmetric Effect of the Business Cycle on the Relation between Stock Market Returns and Their Volatility PDF Author: Peter N. Smith
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 37

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Book Description
We examine the relation between US stock market returns and the US business cycle for the period 1960 - 2003 using a new methodology that allows us to estimate a time-varying equity premium. We identify two channels in the transmission mechanism. One is through the mean of stock returns via the equity risk premium, and the other is through the volatility of returns. We confirm previous findings based on simple correlation analysis that the relation is asymmetric with downturns in the business cycle having a greater negative impact on stock returns than the positive effect of upturns. We also obtain a new result, that demand and supply shocks affect stock returns differently. Our model of the relation between returns and their volatility is derived from the stochastic discount factor model of asset pricing which encompasses CAPM, consumption CAPM and Merton's (1973) inter-temporal CAPM. It is implemented using a multi-variate GARCH-in-mean model with a time-varying conditional heteroskedasticity and correlation structure.

Geopolitical Risk on Stock Returns: Evidence from Inter-Korea Geopolitics

Geopolitical Risk on Stock Returns: Evidence from Inter-Korea Geopolitics PDF Author: Seungho Jung
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1557759677
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Book Description
We investigate how corporate stock returns respond to geopolitical risk in the case of South Korea, which has experienced large and unpredictable geopolitical swings that originate from North Korea. To do so, a monthly index of geopolitical risk from North Korea (the GPRNK index) is constructed using automated keyword searches in South Korean media. The GPRNK index, designed to capture both upside and downside risk, corroborates that geopolitical risk sharply increases with the occurrence of nuclear tests, missile launches, or military confrontations, and decreases significantly around the times of summit meetings or multilateral talks. Using firm-level data, we find that heightened geopolitical risk reduces stock returns, and that the reductions in stock returns are greater especially for large firms, firms with a higher share of domestic investors, and for firms with a higher ratio of fixed assets to total assets. These results suggest that international portfolio diversification and investment irreversibility are important channels through which geopolitical risk affects stock returns.

Asymmetric Dynamics in the Correlations of Global Equity and Bond Returns

Asymmetric Dynamics in the Correlations of Global Equity and Bond Returns PDF Author: Lorenzo Cappiello
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 66

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Book Description
This paper investigates the presence of asymmetric conditional second moments in international equity and bond returns. The analysis is carried out through an asymmetric version of the Dynamic Conditional Correlation model of Engle (2002). Widespread evidence is found that national equity index return series show strong asymmetries in conditional volatility, while little evidence is seen that bond index returns exhibit this behaviour. However, both bonds and equities exhibit asymmetry in conditional correlation. Worldwide linkages in the dynamics of volatility and correlation are examined. It is also found that beginning in January 1999, with the introduction of the Euro, there is significant evidence of a structural break in correlation, although not in volatility. The introduction of a fixed exchange rate regime leads to near perfect correlation among bond returns within EMU countries. However, equity return correlation both within and outside the EMU also increases after January 1999.

Volatility in Financial Markets

Volatility in Financial Markets PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 125

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Book Description
This dissertation focuses on volatility in financial markets, with a special concern for: (i) volatility transmission between different financial markets and asset categories and, (ii) the effect of macroeconomic announcements on the returns, volatility and correlation of stock markets. These issues are analysed taking into account the phenomenon of asymmetric volatility and incorporating the period of financial turmoil caused by the Global Financial Crisis. The study focuses the attention on the emerging markets of the region of Southeast Asia. The asymmetric behaviour of volatility refers to the empirical evidence according to which a negative return shock (unexpected drop in the value of the stock) generates an increase in volatility higher than a positive return shock (unexpected increase in the value of the stock) of the same size. In the financial literature two explanations of the asymmetric effect of news on stock return volatility have been put forward. The analysis of financial assets volatility is important to academics, policy makers, and financial market participants for several reasons. First, prediction of financial assets volatility is crucial to economic agents because it helps them make rational portfolio risk management decisions. Volatility is critically important to economic agents because it represents a measure of risk exposure in their investments. Furthermore, from a theoretical perspective, volatility occupies a central stage in pricing of derivative securities. For example, to price an option we need to know, as a risk measure, the volatility of the underlying asset from now until the option expires. Moreover, in a market risk context, it is vital to know the volatility of an asset in order to calculate the Value-at-Risk of a portfolio selection. Finally, volatility is important for the economy as a whole. Policy makers often rely on market estimates of volatility as a barometer for the vulnerability of the financial markets and the economy. Regarding the Asian markets, it is worth mentioning that in recent years, the interrelations between the US and the Asian markets have raised due to the increasing financial relations. One typical portfolio diversification strategy consists of investing in similar asset classes in multiple markets (international diversification). In order to make appropriate risk management strategies it is vital to know the characteristics of the markets of the different geographical areas and how the markets co-move. Likewise, it is very important to analyse which factors can influence the behaviour of the assets in the financial markets. Within Asian markets, this thesis distinguishes between mature and emerging countries. Japan represents the mature market and the emerging economies are divided into three groups: the Asian Tigers (tigers hereafter), the Asian Tiger Cub (cubs hereafter) economies and, finally, China. The objectives of this thesis are threefold. First, to explore volatility spillovers and the time-varying behaviour of the correlation between the US and the Asian stock markets. Second, to analyse how the macroeconomic events in the US affect the Asian stock market returns, volatility and correlation. Finally, to investigate volatility spillovers between equity and currency markets in Asia. Throughout these analyses, this dissertation aims to establish behaviour patterns depending on the level of development of the emerging country analysed. Furthermore, the sample period used in the analyses incorporates the period of the recent financial turmoil originated by the subprime mortgage market in the United States in the summer of 2007, with the aim of studying the effect of the Global Financial crisis on the patterns found. In general, the results of the three analyses of this dissertation show some interesting visions. While the volatility transmission pattern between the US and the Asian stock markets is mostly observed when the degree of development of the Asian country is higher, the effect of US macroeconomic news releases on these Asian markets is greater as the Asian market analysed is less developed. It is worth mentioning that China arises as a general exception of the three analyses, performing in an independent way with respect to the other Asian economies analysed. The reason of this behaviour can be due, on the one hand, to the fact that in the past decades China has been reaching market-based financial system and has been trying to open it up towards the international financial markets. In spite of these efforts, its financial market is still not entirely open to other countries worldwide. All in all, the results suggest that emerging Asian financial markets have thus far suffered only limited impact from the Global Financial crisis. However, heightened risk perception and declining investor confidence could trigger a sudden reversal of financial flows from these region's capital markets, pushing down asset prices and intensifying financial market volatility. The results of this dissertation may be useful for analysts, traders and portfolio managers. In an asset allocation framework, it is crucial to diversify the assets of a portfolio to diminish its risk. Considering international diversification, before composing a portfolio, it is very useful to know volatility spillovers across countries and asset classes. In this regard, it is vital to take into account the role of the currency market, not only because of the effect of exchange rate in foreign investments, but also for the relationship between the stocks in which to invest and the exchange rate of the related country. Likewise, macroeconomic news releases play a significant role in the stocks markets, hence it is very important to know the effect of the arrival of macroeconomic announcements on the returns, volatility and correlations of the stocks markets in which we want to invest. Finally, it is remarkable that the results of this thesis suggest that exchange rate policies should not be implemented without considering the repercussions on the stock market, and vice versa.

Correlation and Volatility Asymmetries in International Equity Markets

Correlation and Volatility Asymmetries in International Equity Markets PDF Author: CFA O'Toole (Randy)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 29

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Book Description
The co-movement of international equity markets in different return environments is examined using estimates of realized correlation and volatility. Using a simple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression framework, correlations are shown to be similarly elevated in periods characterized by extreme returns in both up and down markets, which contradicts a body of extant research that finds correlations increase in down markets but not in up markets. In contrast, volatility is much greater in down markets than in up markets. This suggests that it is not a lack of diversification that matters for comparative performance in bear markets, but rather the relative magnitude of negative returns typically experienced during such periods.

Volatility in Financial Markets

Volatility in Financial Markets PDF Author: Natàlia Valls Ruiz
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"This dissertation focuses on volatility in financial markets, with a special concern for: (i) volatility transmission between different financial markets and asset categories and, (ii) the effect of macroeconomic announcements on the returns, volatility and correlation of stock markets. These issues are analysed taking into account the phenomenon of asymmetric volatility and incorporating the period of financial turmoil caused by the Global Financial Crisis. The study focuses the attention on the emerging markets of the region of Southeast Asia. The asymmetric behaviour of volatility refers to the empirical evidence according to which a negative return shock (unexpected drop in the value of the stock) generates an increase in volatility higher than a positive return shock (unexpected increase in the value of the stock) of the same size. In the financial literature two explanations of the asymmetric effect of news on stock return volatility have been put forward. The analysis of financial assets volatility is important to academics, policy makers, and financial market participants for several reasons. First, prediction of financial assets volatility is crucial to economic agents because it helps them make rational portfolio risk management decisions. Volatility is critically important to economic agents because it represents a measure of risk exposure in their investments. Furthermore, from a theoretical perspective, volatility occupies a central stage in pricing of derivative securities. For example, to price an option we need to know, as a risk measure, the volatility of the underlying asset from now until the option expires. Moreover, in a market risk context, it is vital to know the volatility of an asset in order to calculate the Value-at-Risk of a portfolio selection. Finally, volatility is important for the economy as a whole. Policy makers often rely on market estimates of volatility as a barometer for the vulnerability of the financial markets and the economy. Regarding the Asian markets, it is worth mentioning that in recent years, the interrelations between the US and the Asian markets have raised due to the increasing financial relations. One typical portfolio diversification strategy consists of investing in similar asset classes in multiple markets (international diversification). In order to make appropriate risk management strategies it is vital to know the characteristics of the markets of the different geographical areas and how the markets co-move. Likewise, it is very important to analyse which factors can influence the behaviour of the assets in the financial markets. Within Asian markets, this thesis distinguishes between mature and emerging countries. Japan represents the mature market and the emerging economies are divided into three groups: the Asian Tigers (tigers hereafter), the Asian Tiger Cub (cubs hereafter) economies and, finally, China. The objectives of this thesis are threefold. First, to explore volatility spillovers and the time-varying behaviour of the correlation between the US and the Asian stock markets. Second, to analyse how the macroeconomic events in the US affect the Asian stock market returns, volatility and correlation. Finally, to investigate volatility spillovers between equity and currency markets in Asia. Throughout these analyses, this dissertation aims to establish behaviour patterns depending on the level of development of the emerging country analysed. Furthermore, the sample period used in the analyses incorporates the period of the recent financial turmoil originated by the subprime mortgage market in the United States in the summer of 2007, with the aim of studying the effect of the Global Financial crisis on the patterns found. In general, the results of the three analyses of this dissertation show some interesting visions. While the volatility transmission pattern between the US and the Asian stock markets is mostly observed when the degree of development of the Asian country is higher, the effect of US macroeconomic news releases on these Asian markets is greater as the Asian market analysed is less developed. It is worth mentioning that China arises as a general exception of the three analyses, performing in an independent way with respect to the other Asian economies analysed. The reason of this behaviour can be due, on the one hand, to the fact that in the past decades China has been reaching market-based financial system and has been trying to open it up towards the international financial markets. In spite of these efforts, its financial market is still not entirely open to other countries worldwide. All in all, the results suggest that emerging Asian financial markets have thus far suffered only limited impact from the Global Financial crisis. However, heightened risk perception and declining investor confidence could trigger a sudden reversal of financial flows from these region's capital markets, pushing down asset prices and intensifying financial market volatility. The results of this dissertation may be useful for analysts, traders and portfolio managers. In an asset allocation framework, it is crucial to diversify the assets of a portfolio to diminish its risk. Considering international diversification, before composing a portfolio, it is very useful to know volatility spillovers across countries and asset classes. In this regard, it is vital to take into account the role of the currency market, not only because of the effect of exchange rate in foreign investments, but also for the relationship between the stocks in which to invest and the exchange rate of the related country. Likewise, macroeconomic news releases play a significant role in the stocks markets, hence it is very important to know the effect of the arrival of macroeconomic announcements on the returns, volatility and correlations of the stocks markets in which we want to invest. Finally, it is remarkable that the results of this thesis suggest that exchange rate policies should not be implemented without considering the repercussions on the stock market, and vice versa."--TDX.