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Gold against Asian Stock Markets during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Author

Listed:
  • Imran Yousaf

    (Air University School of Management, Air University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Elie Bouri

    (Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon)

  • Shoaib Ali

    (Air University School of Management, Air University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Nehme Azoury

    (USEK Business School, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon)

Abstract

This study examines the safe-haven and hedging roles of gold against thirteen Asian stock markets during the COVID-19 outbreak. During the COVID-19 sub-period, gold is shown to be a strong hedge (diversifier) for the majority (minority) of Asian stock markets; it exhibits the property of a strong safe-haven in China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, and a weak safe-haven in Pakistan and Thailand. The optimal weights of all stock-gold portfolios are lower during the COVID-19 sub-period than the pre COVID-19 sub-period, suggesting that portfolio investors should increase their investment in gold during the COVID-19 sub-period. The hedging effectiveness for most Asian stock markets is higher during the COVID-19 sub-period. Further analyses show that the hedge portfolio returns in many cases are mostly driven by gold implied volatility and inflation expectations in both sub-periods. Our findings have useful implications for market participants holding investments in Asian stocks during stressful periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Imran Yousaf & Elie Bouri & Shoaib Ali & Nehme Azoury, 2021. "Gold against Asian Stock Markets during the COVID-19 Outbreak," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:14:y:2021:i:4:p:186-:d:539304
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Cui xiaozhong, & Yen-Ku, Kuo & Maneengam, Apichit & Cong, Phan The & Quynh, Nguyen Ngoc & Ageli, Mohammed Moosa & Wisetsri, Worakamol, 2022. "Covid-19 and oil and gold price volatilities: Evidence from China market," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    8. O'Donnell, Niall & Shannon, Darren & Sheehan, Barry, 2023. "A vaccine for volatility? An empirical analysis of global stock markets and the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine," The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, Elsevier, vol. 28(C).
    9. Marco Tronzano, 2022. "Optimal Portfolio Allocation between Global Stock Indexes and Safe Haven Assets: Gold versus the Swiss Franc (1999–2021)," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-24, May.
    10. Ameet Kumar Banerjee & HK Pradhan, 2024. "Did Precious Metals Serve as Hedge and Safe-haven Alternatives to Equity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: New Insights Using a Copula-based Approach," Journal of Emerging Market Finance, Institute for Financial Management and Research, vol. 23(4), pages 399-423, December.
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    12. Sokhombela, Andiswa Luncedo Lwandile & Bonga-Bonga, Lumengo & Manguzvane, Mathias Mandla, 2024. "Assessing the performance of safe haven assets during major crises," MPRA Paper 123066, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    15. Arfaoui, Nadia & Yousaf, Imran & Jareño, Francisco, 2023. "Return and volatility connectedness between gold and energy markets: Evidence from the pre- and post-COVID vaccination phases," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 617-634.
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