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Geopolitical risk contagion across strategic sectors: Nonlinear evidence from defense, cybersecurity, energy, and raw materials

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  • Catalin Gheorghe
  • Oana Panazan

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of geopolitical risk on the market volatility of four strategic sectors − defense, cybersecurity, energy, and critical raw materials − using a sample of 90 companies and ETFs over the 2014–2025 period. Applying Quantile-on-Quantile Connectedness (QQC) and Causality-in-Quantiles (CiQ) methods, the study captures the asymmetric and nonlinear relationships between geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. The findings show that defense and cybersecurity sectors act as defensive assets during geopolitical crises, while energy and critical raw materials sectors exhibit increased sensitivity to external shocks. The QQC approach reveals heightened interconnectedness under extreme volatility, while CiQ tests confirm regime-dependent causal links. These differences across sectors provide a comprehensive perspective on geopolitical contagion and offer actionable insights for policymakers and investors seeking to develop more resilient strategies in volatile global conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Catalin Gheorghe & Oana Panazan, 2025. "Geopolitical risk contagion across strategic sectors: Nonlinear evidence from defense, cybersecurity, energy, and raw materials," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(9), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0330557
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330557
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Yaojie & He, Jiaxin & He, Mengxi & Li, Shaofang, 2023. "Geopolitical risk and stock market volatility: A global perspective," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    2. Harris, Oneil & Nguyen, Trung, 2024. "Asset redeployability and the market reaction to cyberattacks," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    3. Jeong, Kiho & Härdle, Wolfgang K. & Song, Song, 2012. "A Consistent Nonparametric Test For Causality In Quantile," Econometric Theory, Cambridge University Press, vol. 28(4), pages 861-887, August.
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    1. ATM Adnan & Md Arif Hasan Khan & Md Tapan Mahmud & Sabira Kumkum & Abdullah Al-Mamun, 2025. "Geopolitical Shocks and Asset Pricing: Global Cross-Sectional Evidence from Defense and Aerospace Firms amid the Russia-Ukraine War," European Journal of Business Science and Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Business and Economics, vol. 11(2), pages 220-249.

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