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Is gold a hedge or a safe-haven asset in the COVID–19 crisis?

Author

Listed:
  • Md Akhtaruzzaman

    (ACU - Australian Catholic University)

  • Sabri Boubaker

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie = EM Normandie Business School, VNU - Vietnam National University [Hanoï])

  • Brian M Lucey

    (Trinity College Dublin, University of Ljubljana)

  • Ahmet Sensoy

    (Bilkent University [Ankara])

Abstract

This study examines the role of gold as a hedge or safe-haven asset in different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, corresponding to the timing of fiscal and monetary stimuli to support the weakened economy. Using high-frequency data, the results show that gold served as a safe-haven asset for stock markets during Phase I (December 31, 2019–March 16, 2020) of the pandemic. However, gold lost its safe-haven role during Phase II (March 17−April 24, 2020). The optimal weights of gold in S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, and WTI crude oil portfolios significantly increased during Phase II, suggesting that investors expanded investment in gold as a ‘flight-to-safety asset' during the crisis. Further, hedging costs increased significantly during Phase II. These findings provide insight for individual and institutional investors and guidance to policymakers, regulators, and media on how gold evolved as a hedge and safe-haven asset in different phases of the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Akhtaruzzaman & Sabri Boubaker & Brian M Lucey & Ahmet Sensoy, 2021. "Is gold a hedge or a safe-haven asset in the COVID–19 crisis?," Post-Print hal-04998990, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04998990
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2021.105588
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04998990v1
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    Keywords

    COVID-19; Gold; Safe-haven asset; Hedge; Financial crisis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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