The Effect of Regulations on Stock Market Risk (Volatility) in Nigeria

Abstract

Recent regulations are directed at mitigating financial market risk, because risks, especially volatility dampen investors’ confidence, and hinder firms’ ability to raise funds at the exchange. Though, volatility had been investigated in the past, the joint utilization of micro and macro regulatory tools to address it after the global crisis is rare. It is on this backdrop that this study investigates the effect of regulations on stock market risk (volatility) in Nigeria. Thirteen interest charging banks listed in the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the period of 2010-2020 were investigated, because bank stocks are mostly traded at the exchange. Data for this study were collected from the banks’ annual reports, stock exchange official daily price lists as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin various issues. The first difference generalized method of moments (DGMM) and the dynamic model were engaged in the investigation. Results of this study reveal that regulatory liquidity ratio and monetary policy rate positively and significantly impact stock market risk (volatility), while prescribe cash reserve ratio has negative and significant effects. The implication of this finding is that regulations except cash reserve instruments constitute frictions impacting equity market risk. Therefore, it is recommended that caution is exercised in the use of micro and macro regulatory weapons. Otherwise, investors’ confidence will decline and investments will reduce.