Examining the volatility spillover between the fear index and the magnificent seven technology stocks

This study investigates the volatility spillover dynamics between the VIX fear index and the Magnificent Seven technology stocks - namely Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Tesla - over the period of June 2012 to March 2024. To achieve this objective, the variance causality test is employed to detect potential volatility transmissions among the series. Preliminary diagnostic tests confirm the validity of the GARCH (1,1) specification for all individual return series. The results from the variance causality analysis indicate significant volatility spillovers from the VIX to the conditional variances of Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Amazon stocks. Building on these findings, impulse-response functions and variance decomposition analyses are conducted based on the conditional variance series estimated through the GARCH (1,1) model. The impulse-response analysis reveals that a positive shock in the VIX generates a temporary increase in the conditional volatility of Apple, Alphabet, Nvidia, and Tesla stocks, which gradually diminishes over time. Conversely, a VIX shock induces a negative volatility response in Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Amazon stocks, although these effects also fade and converge to zero in the long run. Variance decomposition results further show that, in the short term, the volatility of each technology stock is predominantly driven by its own internal dynamics. However, as the forecast horizon extends, the influence of the VIX index becomes increasingly pronounced, underscoring its role as a significant external volatility driver. These findings imply that investors' perceptions of heightened risk - captured by the VIX index - are effectively transmitted to technology stock markets. Accordingly, the incorporation of the VIX index into volatility forecasting models can enhance prediction accuracy. From a practical standpoint, the study underscores the importance of monitoring the fear index when developing portfolio allocation and risk management strategies-oriented equities.