The 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis: evidence of contagion from international financial markets

Simplice A., Asongu (2011): The 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis: evidence of contagion from international financial markets.

Abstract

Abstract Purpose – Natural disasters may inflict significant damage upon international financial markets. The purpose of this study is to investigate if any contagion effect occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

Design/methodology/approach – Using 33 international stock indexes and exchange rates, this paper uses heteroscedasticity biases based on correlation coefficients to examine if any contagion occurred across financial markets after the March 11, 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The sample period is partitioned into two sections: the 12-month pre-earthquake period (March 11, 2010 to March 10, 2011) and the 2-month post-earthquake period (March 11, 2011 to May 10, 2011). While the stability period is defined as the pre-earthquake period, the turbulent (turmoil) period is defined as the post-earthquake period. In a bid to ensure robustness of our findings, the turmoil period is further partitioned into two equal sections: the 1-month (short-term) post-earthquake period (March 11, 2011 to April 10, 2011), and the 2-month (medium-term) post-earthquake (March 11, 2011 to May 10, 2011).

Findings – Findings reveal that, while no sampled foreign exchange market suffered from contagion, stock markets of Taiwan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and South Africa witnessed a contagion effect.

Research limitations – From a broad perspective, the phenomenon of contagion could be seen as the general process of shock transmission across countries. This definition takes account of both negative and positive spillovers. However, the Forbes and Rigobon(2002) methodology for contagion is relevant only for negative spillovers.

Practical implications – Our results have two paramount implications. Firstly, we have confirmed existing consensus that in the face of natural crises that could take an international scale, emerging markets are contagiously affected for the most part. Secondly, we have also shown that international financial market transmissions not only occur during financial crisis; natural disaster effects should not be undermined.

Originality/value – This paper has shown that the correlation structure of international financial markets also depend on high profile natural disasters.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Japanese Earthquake; Contagion; International Financial Markets
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F3 - International Finance > F30 - General; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G15 - International Financial Markets; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G10 - General

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