The Dynamic Relationship Between Exchange Rate Volatility and Stock Prices in the Egyptian Real Estate Market and the Moderating Effect of Interest Rates

Among different channels of the financial market, the exchange rates and stock markets play a vital role in the domestic and international markets. This study aims to explore the dynamic relationship between the exchange rate (USD/EGP) and the real estate sector listed companies of the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effect of interest rates on the relationship. To achieve this, the study employs several econometric methods such as Augmented Dicky Fuller (ADF) test, Granger Causality test to determine the direction of the relationship, Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, and more. The results demonstrate that a long-run relationship exists between the variables. Furthermore, there is a significant unidirectional causality that runs from the exchange rate to real estate stock prices; thus, fluctuations in the exchange rate can significantly affect the profitability of investments in real estate stocks. Therefore, investors should closely monitor the movements in the exchange rate level to predict changes in real estate stock prices. When including the interest rate as a moderator, the outcome changes to bidirectional causality, meaning that the exchange rate and real estate stock price movements affect each other at a 1% significance level. Hence, interest rate could be used as an instrument to control demand in both the stock market and foreign exchange market. Finally, it is recommended that policymakers use the monetary policy while considering this bidirectional relationship in the presence of interest rate as a moderating variable.