Click to login and read the full article.
Don’t have access? Click here to request a demo
Alternatively, Call a member of the team to discuss membership options
US and Overseas: +1 646-931-9045
UK: 0207 139 1600
Abstract
The volatility of equity returns generally exhibits an asymmetric reaction to positive and negative shocks. Economic explanations for this phenomenon are leverage and a volatility feedback effect. This article studies the volatility of gold and demonstrates that there is an inverted asymmetric reaction to positive and negative shocks—positive shocks increase volatility more than negative shocks. The author argues that this effect is related to the safe-haven property of gold. Investors interpret positive gold price changes as a signal for future adverse conditions and uncertainty in other asset markets. This introduces uncertainty in the gold market and thus higher volatility. The empirical results hold for gold bullion and gold coins denominated in different currencies and for different return frequencies, sample periods, and distributional assumptions. Finally, the author shows that the inverted volatility effect of gold can lower the aggregate risk of a portfolio for specific correlation levels.
- © 2012 Pageant Media Ltd
Don’t have access? Click here to request a demo
Alternatively, Call a member of the team to discuss membership options
US and Overseas: +1 646-931-9045
UK: 0207 139 1600