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Correlation Structure of International Equity Markets During Extremely Volatile Periods

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno Solnik

    (GREGH - Groupement de Recherche et d'Etudes en Gestion à HEC - HEC Paris - Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • François Longin

    (ESSEC Business School)

Abstract

Recent studies in international finance have shown that correlation of international equity returns increases during volatile periods. However, correlation should be used with great care. For example, assuming a multivariate normal distribution with constant correlation, conditional correlation during volatile periods (large absolute returns) is higher than conditional correlation during tranquil periods (small absolute returns) even though the correlation of all returns remains constant over time. In order to test whether correlation increases during volatile periods, the distribution of the conditional correlation under the null hypothesis must then be clearly specified. In this paper we focus on the correlation conditional on large returns and study the dependence structure of international equity markets during extremely volatile bear and bull periods. We use "extreme value theory" to model the multivariate distribution of large returns. This theory allows one to specify the distribution of correlation conditional on large negative or positive returns under the null hypothesis of multivariate normality with constant correlation. Empirically, using monthly data from January 1959 to December 1996 for the five largest stock markets, we find that the correlation of large positive returns is not inconsistent with multivariate normality, while the correlation of large negative returns is much greater than expected.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Solnik & François Longin, 1998. "Correlation Structure of International Equity Markets During Extremely Volatile Periods," Working Papers hal-00599996, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00599996
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Torben G. Andersen & Tim Bollerslev & Francis X. Diebold & Paul Labys, 1999. "The Distribution of Exchange Rate Volatility," New York University, Leonard N. Stern School Finance Department Working Paper Seires 99-059, New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business-.
    2. Danielsson, Jon, 2002. "The emperor has no clothes: Limits to risk modelling," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 26(7), pages 1273-1296, July.
    3. Penikas, Henry, 2010. "Copula-Models in Foreign Exchange Risk-Management of a Bank," Applied Econometrics, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), vol. 17(1), pages 62-87.
    4. Mico Loretan & William B English, 2000. "Evaluating changes in correlations during periods of high market volatility," BIS Quarterly Review, Bank for International Settlements, pages 29-36, June.
    5. Bhargava, Rahul & Dubofsky, David A., 2001. "A note on fair value pricing of mutual funds," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 339-354, February.
    6. Penikas, Henry & Simakova, Varvara, 2009. "Interest Rate Risk Management Based on Copula-GARCH Models," Applied Econometrics, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), vol. 13(1), pages 3-36.
    7. Martens, Martin & Poon, Ser-Huang, 2001. "Returns synchronization and daily correlation dynamics between international stock markets," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 25(10), pages 1805-1827, October.
    8. Straetmans, Stefan, 2000. "Extremal spillovers in financial markets," Serie Research Memoranda 0013, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    9. Chang, Eric C. & McQueen, Grant R. & Pinegar, J. Michael, 1999. "Cross-autocorrelation in Asian stock markets," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 7(5), pages 471-493, December.
    10. Andersen, Torben G. & Bollerslev, Tim & Diebold, Francis X. & Ebens, Heiko, 2001. "The distribution of realized stock return volatility," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 43-76, July.
    11. Penikas, H., 2010. "Financial Applications of Copula-Models," Journal of the New Economic Association, New Economic Association, issue 7, pages 24-44.
    12. William B. English & Mico Loretan, 2000. "Evaluating \"correlation breakdowns\" during periods of market volatility," International Finance Discussion Papers 658, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    13. Ho, Lan-Chih & Burridge, Peter & Cadle, John & Theobald, Michael, 2000. "Value-at-risk: Applying the extreme value approach to Asian markets in the recent financial turmoil," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 249-275, May.
    14. Assaf, A., 2009. "Extreme observations and risk assessment in the equity markets of MENA region: Tail measures and Value-at-Risk," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 109-116, June.
    15. Uppal, Raman & Das, Sanjiv Ranjan, 2002. "Systemic Risk and International Portfolio Choice," CEPR Discussion Papers 3305, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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