Returns Synchronization and Daily Correlation Dynamics Between International Stock Markets

Abstract:     
The use of close-to-close returns underestimates returns correlation because international stock markets have different trading hours. With the availability of 16:00 (London time) stock market series, we find dynamics of daily correlation and daily covariance, estimated using two non-synchroneity adjustment procedures, to be substantially different from their synchronous counterparts. We find volatility spillovers from the US to the UK and France, and there is also evidence of reverse spillovers which is not documented before. Daily covariance increases during volatile periods. But, unlike previous findings, the increase in daily correlation is prominent only under extremely adverse conditions when a large negative return has been registered.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 34

JEL Classification: C4, G1

working papers series