Risk co-movements and portfolio strategies between energy, gold and BRICS markets

Abstract

This study applies the parametric and nonparametric approach to examine risk comovement between energy, gold, and BRICS equity markets. Our analysis indicates that the risk comovement between these markets varies across financial crisis events. Crude oil and Russian stocks are substantially connected throughout all sub-sample periods, while gold shows a negative relationship with China and Indian stock markets. Moreover, the short-term risk transmission between the stock markets and commodity markets of China, Brazil, Russia, and India is stronger than the gold and oil markets of South Africa during the financial crises. Chinese stock market returns are higher in connectedness than other emerging markets. Further, crude oil and BRICS indices can be utilized as portfolio diversification assets to offset risks, especially during COVID-19. In addition, China and Russia have greater flexibility regarding hedging efficiency for crude oil in crises. Finally, this study offers policymakers insights into how to improve BRICS business convergence among financial and commodity markets to attract domestic and international investments while avoiding the risk of contagion.