Exploring the dynamic connections between oil price shocks and bond yields in developed nations: A TVP-SVAR-SV approach

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of oil price changes on bond yields across nine developed nations, focusing on how demand, supply, and oil-specific demand shocks influence bond spreads. Using a Time-Varying Parameter Structural Vector Autoregression with Stochastic Volatility (TVP-SVAR-SV) model, we find that bond yields are short-term responsive to oil price fluctuations, indicating efficient domestic bond markets. However, we observe distinct country-specific reactions, particularly in the US and the UK. In the US, supply shocks cause temporary declines in bond yields, while demand shocks reduce bond yields in both countries. Oil-specific demand shocks have cyclical impacts. Unlike the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic uniquely influenced bond yields, with minimal short-term effects in Canada, France, Spain, and the US post-COVID-19, contrasting with the severe impacts during the financial crisis. These findings suggest investors should consider the varying impact of oil shocks on bond yields across countries, and policymakers should monitor and address the potential implications of oil price fluctuations for financial stability and market efficiency.