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FX markets’ reactions to COVID-19: Are they different?

Author

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  • Walter Bazán-Palomino
  • Diego Winkelried

Abstract

In this paper, we empirically investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FX markets. We find important differences between COVID-19 and previous high-risk episodes: the Global Financial Crisis, the Swiss National Bank's removal of the Swiss franc/euro floor, and Brexit. Contrary to these episodes, the USD did not show any safe haven characteristics during the pandemic. Furthermore, the estimated volatility and non-parametric value-at-risk of three currency portfolios indicate that COVID-19 was not as risky as previous stressful events. We provide evidence that investors could minimize COVID-19 risk by investing in the Canadian dollar and the Japanese yen, and by reducing their exposure to European currencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Bazán-Palomino & Diego Winkelried, 2021. "FX markets’ reactions to COVID-19: Are they different?," International Economics, CEPII research center, issue 167, pages 50-58.
    • Handle: RePEc:cii:cepiie:2021-q3-167-14
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayadi, Mohamed A. & Ben Omrane, Walid & Panah, Pari Gholi, 2025. "Foreign exchange markets, climate risks and contextual news: An intraday analysis," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    2. Naveed, Hafiz Muhammad & HongXing, Yao & Memon, Bilal Ahmed & Ali, Shoaib & Alhussam, Mohammed Ismail & Sohu, Jan Muhammad, 2023. "Artificial neural network (ANN)-based estimation of the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on dynamic and emerging financial markets," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    3. Bazán-Palomino, Walter & Ortiz, Marco & Terrones, Marco E. & Winkelried, Diego, 2025. "The role of US bank liquidity and regulations in Covered Interest Parity deviations," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    4. Sourav Majumdar & Arnab Kumar Laha, 2024. "Diffusion on the circle and a stochastic correlation model," Papers 2412.06343, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2026.
    5. Maneejuk, Paravee & Kaewtathip, Nuttaphong & Jaipong, Peemmawat & Yamaka, Woraphon, 2022. "The transition of the global financial markets' connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    6. Chih-Nan Chen & Chien-Hsiu Lin, 2022. "Optimal carry trade portfolio choice under regime shifts," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 483-506, August.
    7. Pham, Son Duy & Nguyen, Thao Thac Thanh & Li, Xiao-Ming, 2024. "Stabilizing global foreign exchange markets in the time of COVID-19: The role of vaccinations," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    8. Patra, Saswat & Malik, Kunjana, 2025. "Return and volatility connectedness among US and Latin American markets: A QVAR approach with implications for hedging and portfolio diversification," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    9. Díaz, Fernando & Henríquez, Pablo A. & Winkelried, Diego, 2022. "Stock market volatility and the COVID-19 reproductive number," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    10. Chang, Hao-Wen & Lin, Chinho, 2023. "Currency portfolio behavior in seven major Asian markets," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 540-559.
    11. Ahmed, Shamima & Akhtaruzzaman, Md & Le, Van & Nath, Tamal & Rahman, Molla Ramizur, 2024. "Interconnectedness in the FOREX market during the high inflation regime: A network analysis," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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