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The performance of Islamic versus conventional stocks during the COVID-19 shock: Evidence from firm-level data

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  • shear, Falik
  • Ashraf, Badar Nadeem

Abstract

In this study, we extend the recently heated debate that compares the performance of Shariah compliant equities with their non-Shariah compliant counterparts especially during the Covid-19 shock. Unlike the existing literature, which uses stock market index level data to reach controversial conclusions, we use firm-level stock returns data to find robust evidence that Shariah compliant stocks outperformed their conventional counterparts during the Covid-19 market meltdown. More specifically, we find that the prices of Shariah compliant stocks reacted to the increase in Coronavirus confirmed cases and government social distancing measures with lower negative returns than the prices of non-Shariah compliant stocks. Overall, our findings imply that Shariah compliant stocks fared better during the Covid-19 crisis episode.

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  • shear, Falik & Ashraf, Badar Nadeem, 2022. "The performance of Islamic versus conventional stocks during the COVID-19 shock: Evidence from firm-level data," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:60:y:2022:i:c:s0275531922000101
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2022.101622
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    5. Zou, Fei & Huang, Lingyu & Ghaemi Asl, Mahdi & Delnavaz, Mohammad & Tiwari, Sunil, 2023. "Natural resources and green economic recovery in responsible investments: Role of ESG in context of Islamic sustainable investments," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    6. Ashraf, Badar Nadeem & Tabash, Mosab I. & Hassan, M. Kabir, 2022. "Are Islamic banks more resilient to the crises vis-à-vis conventional banks? Evidence from the COVID-19 shock using stock market data," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    7. Ali, Shoaib & Naveed, Muhammad & Hanif, Hasan & Gubareva, Mariya, 2024. "The resilience of Shariah-compliant investments: Probing the static and dynamic connectedness between gold-backed cryptocurrencies and GCC equity markets," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    8. Abdullah, Mohammad & Chowdhury, Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous & Sulong, Zunaidah, 2023. "Asymmetric efficiency and connectedness among green stocks, halal tourism stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities: Portfolio hedging implications," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
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