Time-Varying Correlations between JSE.JO Stock Market and Its Partners Using Symmetric and Asymmetric Dynamic Conditional Correlation Models

Abstract

The extent of correlation or co-movement among the returns of developed and emerging stock markets remains pivotal for efficiently diversifying global portfolios. This correlation is prone to variation over time as a consequence of escalating economic interdependence fostered by international trade and financial markets. In this study, the time-varying correlation and co-movement between the JSE.JO stock market of South Africa and its developed and developing stock market partners are analyzed. The dynamic conditional correlation–exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (DCC-EGARCH) methodology is employed with different multivariate distributions to explore the time-varying correlation and volatilities between the JSE.JO stock market and its partners. Based on the conditional correlation results, the JSE.JO stock market is integrated and co-moves with its partners, and the conditional correlation for all markets exhibits time-variant behavior. The conditional volatility results show that the JSE.JO stock market behaves differently from other markets, especially after 2015, indicating a positive sign for investors to diversify between the JSE.JO and its partners. The highest value of conditional volatility for markets was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, representing the riskiest period that investors should avoid due to the lack of diversification opportunities during crises.