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Forecasting U.S. Stock Returns Conditional on Geopolitical Risk and Business Cycles

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  • Schlosky, Minh Tam Tammy
  • Karadas, Serkan
  • Stivers, Adam

Abstract

Using standard predictors in the forecasting literature, we forecast the U.S. stock market returns conditional on geopolitical risk and business cycles over the 1927–2021 period. We find that out-of-sample forecasting performance is significantly better in times of high geopolitical risk versus low geopolitical risk. Consistent with previous research, we find further evidence of improved return predictability in recessions. However, we find little difference in forecasting performance in recessions versus expansions once the level of geopolitical risk is controlled for. We find similar results when using stock market cycles and periods of positive/negative industrial production growth in place of recessions/expansions. Our study contributes to the forecasting literature by documenting that geopolitical risk by itself and in combination with business cycle indicators impacts the forecasting ability of standard forecasting variables in the literature. We also contribute to the literature on the adaptive markets hypothesis with evidence of time-varying return predictability. We find inconclusive evidence as to whether our results are based on time-varying predictability or time-varying risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Schlosky, Minh Tam Tammy & Karadas, Serkan & Stivers, Adam, 2024. "Forecasting U.S. Stock Returns Conditional on Geopolitical Risk and Business Cycles," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PB).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:96:y:2024:i:pb:s1057521924006392
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103707
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Forecasting; Return predictability; Geopolitical risk; Business cycles;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C58 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Financial Econometrics
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • F52 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - National Security; Economic Nationalism
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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