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Permanent and transitory price shocks in commodity futures markets and their relation to speculation

Author

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  • Marco Haase

    (University of Basel)

  • Yvonne Seiler Zimmermann

    (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts)

  • Heinz Zimmermann

    (University of Basel)

Abstract

This paper takes an innovative look at the relationship between commodity futures prices and speculation. Contrary to other studies, we analyze the effect of speculation on temporary and permanent futures price shocks estimated from a cointegrated system of pairwise short- and long-dated contracts. Where cointegration is found, the long-term equilibrium is determined by the long-dated contract, while the adjustment toward equilibrium is restored by the short-dated contract (except for cotton). Granger causality tests cannot reject the null hypothesis that speculation as measured by Working’s T index has no effect on squared permanent price shocks for 7 out of 9 commodities. Where the null hypothesis is rejected, the relationship exhibits a negative sign, i.e., speculation has a stabilizing effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Haase & Yvonne Seiler Zimmermann & Heinz Zimmermann, 2019. "Permanent and transitory price shocks in commodity futures markets and their relation to speculation," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 56(4), pages 1359-1382, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:56:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s00181-017-1387-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-017-1387-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Chen, Chun-Da & Su, Ching-Hui (Joan) & Chen, Ming-Hsiang, 2022. "Understanding how ESG-focused airlines reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock returns," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    4. Chiang, Shu-Mei & Chen, Chun-Da & Huang, Chien-Ming, 2019. "Analyzing the impacts of foreign exchange and oil price on biofuel commodity futures," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 37-48.
    5. Algirdas Justinas Staugaitis & Bernardas Vaznonis, 2022. "Financial Speculation Impact on Agricultural and Other Commodity Return Volatility: Implications for Sustainable Development and Food Security," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-27, November.
    6. Algirdas Justinas Staugaitis & Bernardas Vaznonis, 2022. "Short-Term Speculation Effects on Agricultural Commodity Returns and Volatility in the European Market Prior to and during the Pandemic," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-26, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Commodity futures prices; Speculation; Cointegration; Temporary and permanent price shocks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
    • Q02 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Commodity Market

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