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Article
Publication date: 2 October 2009

David G. McMillan and Pako Thupayagale

In order to assess the informational efficiency of African equity markets (AEMs), the purpose of this paper is to examine long memory in both equity returns and volatility using…

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Abstract

Purpose

In order to assess the informational efficiency of African equity markets (AEMs), the purpose of this paper is to examine long memory in both equity returns and volatility using auto‐regressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA)‐FIGARCH/hyperbolic GARCH (HYGARCH) models.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test for long memory, the behaviour of the auto‐correlation function for 11 AEMs is examined. Following the graphical analysis, the authors proceed to estimate ARFIMA‐FIGARCH and ARFIMA‐HYGARCH models, specifically designed to capture long‐memory dynamics.

Findings

The results show that these markets (largely) display a predictable component in returns; while evidence of long memory in volatility is very mixed. In comparison, results from the control of the UK and USA show short memory in returns while evidence of long memory in volatility is mixed. These results show that the behaviour of equity market returns and risks are dissimilar across markets and this may have implications for portfolio diversification and risk management strategies.

Practical implications

The results of the analysis may have important implications for portfolio diversification and risk management strategies.

Originality/value

The importance of this paper lies in it being the first to systematically analyse long‐memory dynamics for a range of AEMs. African markets are becoming increasingly important as a source of international portfolio diversification and risk management. Hence, the results here have implication for the conduct of international portfolio building, asset pricing and hedging.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2011

David McMillan and Pako Thupayagale

The purpose of this paper is to estimate volatility in African stock markets (ASMs), taking account of periodic level shifts in the mean level of volatility, where the regime…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate volatility in African stock markets (ASMs), taking account of periodic level shifts in the mean level of volatility, where the regime shifts are determined endogenously.

Design/methodology/approach

Volatility estimates are incorporated into standard volatility models to assess the impact of structural breaks on volatility persistence, long memory and forecasting performance for ASMs.

Findings

The results presented here indeed suggest that persistence and long memory in volatility are overestimated when regime shifts are not accounted for. In particular, application of breakpoint tests and a moving average procedure suggest that unconditional volatility displays substantial time variation.

Practical implications

A modification of the standard generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to allow for time variation in the unconditional variance generates improved volatility forecasting performance for some African markets.

Originality/value

This paper describes one of the first studies to incorporate endogenously determined regime shifts into volatility estimates and assess the impact of structural breaks on volatility persistence, long memory and forecasting performance for ASMs.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

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