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

Author

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  • Seungho Jung
  • Jongmin Lee
  • Seohyun Lee

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Seungho Jung & Jongmin Lee & Seohyun Lee, 2021. "Geopolitical Risk on Stock Returns: Evidence from Inter-Korea Geopolitics," IMF Working Papers 2021/251, International Monetary Fund.
  • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2021/251
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    Cited by:

    1. Khraiche, Maroula & Boudreau, James W. & Chowdhury, Md Shahedur R., 2023. "Geopolitical risk and stock market development," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    2. Lee, Chi-Chuan & Tang, Huayun & Li, Ding, 2022. "The roles of oil shocks and geopolitical uncertainties on China’s green bond returns," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 494-505.
    3. Tam NguyenHuu & Deniz Karaman Orsal, 2022. "Geopolitical risks and financial stress in emerging economies," Working Papers 2022.09, International Network for Economic Research - INFER.
    4. Umer Shahzad & Muhammad Ramzan & Muhammad Ibrahim Shah & Buhari DoÄŸan & Ahdi Noomen Ajmi, 2022. "Analyzing the Nexus Between Geopolitical Risk, Policy Uncertainty, and Tourist Arrivals: Evidence From the United States," Evaluation Review, , vol. 46(3), pages 266-295, June.

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