Impact of Monetary Policy on Stock Market Volatility

Authors

  • Emily Nkatha Catholic University of Eastern Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47941/ijf.2141

Keywords:

Monetary Policy, Stock Market Volatility, Behavioural Finance, Global Interconnectedness, Policy Communication

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to analyze the impact of monetary policy on stock market volatility.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of monetary policy on stock market volatility. Preliminary empirical review revealed that monetary policy exerts significant influence on stock market volatility through various channels such as interest rate adjustments, quantitative easing, and forward guidance. It highlighted that the timing and clarity of policy announcements play a crucial role in shaping market reactions, with unexpected shifts often leading to heightened volatility. Global interconnectedness amplified these effects, underscoring the need for coordinated policy responses. Behavioral factors also contributed, as investor sentiment and market psychology could magnify volatility independently of economic fundamentals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective policy design and market stability amidst evolving financial landscapes.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH, Rational Expectations Theory and Keynesian Economics may be used to anchor future studies on monetary policy on stock market volatility. Recommendations from the study included integrating behavioral finance models into economic frameworks to enhance predictive accuracy. It advocated for clearer and more consistent central bank communications to align market expectations with policy actions, reducing uncertainty-driven volatility. Collaborative efforts among central banks were emphasized to manage international spillovers and enhance global financial stability. Adaptive policy frameworks were proposed to respond flexibly to changing market conditions while promoting regulatory measures to safeguard against excessive risk-taking. These recommendations aimed to foster a stable financial environment supportive of sustainable economic growth and market confidence.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adelegan, O. J. (2019). Political risk and stock market volatility in South Africa. African Development Review, 31(1), 58-71. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12356

Albuquerque, B. H., Júnior, F. J., & Lima, E. J. (2019). Political instability and stock market volatility in Brazil. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 55(7), 1652-1668. https://doi.org/10.1080/1540496X.2018.1516516

Baker, S. R., Bloom, N., Davis, S. J., & Terry, S. J. (2020). COVID-induced economic uncertainty. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series, 26983. https://doi.org/10.3386/w26983

Bauer, M. D., & Neely, C. J. (2014). International channels of the Fed’s unconventional monetary policy. Journal of International Money and Finance, 44, 24-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jimonfin.2013.12.00

Bekaert, G., Hoerova, M., & Lo Duca, M. (2014). Risk, uncertainty, and monetary policy. Journal of Monetary Economics, 60(7), 771-788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmoneco.2013.10.009

Bernanke, B. S. (2020). The new tools of monetary policy. American Economic Review, 110(4), 943-983. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.110.4.943

Bernanke, B. S., & Kuttner, K. N. (2013). What explains the stock market's reaction to Federal Reserve policy? Journal of Finance, 60(3), 1221-1257. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6261.2005.00760.x

Bjornland, H. C., & Leitemo, K. (2009). Identifying the interdependence between US monetary policy and the stock market. Journal of Monetary Economics, 56(2), 275-282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmoneco.2008.12.001

Campbell, J. R., Evans, C. L., Fisher, J. D. M., & Justiniano, A. (2012). Macroeconomic effects of Federal Reserve forward guidance. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 2012(1), 1-80. https://doi.org/10.1353/eca.2012.0004

Davies, R., & Kwiatkowski, A. (2021). COVID-19 and the global stock market. Journal of International Money and Finance, 119, 102422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jimonfin.2021.102422

Fama, E. F. (1970). Efficient capital markets: A review of theory and empirical work. Journal of Finance, 25(2), 383-417. https://doi.org/10.2307/2325486

Fawley, B. W., & Neely, C. J. (2013). Four stories of quantitative easing. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, 95(1), 51-88. https://doi.org/10.20955/r.95.51-88

Fawley, B. W., & Neely, C. J. (2013). Four stories of quantitative easing. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, 95(1), 51-88. https://doi.org/10.20955/r.95.51-88

Gilchrist, S., Yue, V. Z., & Zakrajšek, E. (2019). US monetary policy and foreign bond yields. Journal of Financial Economics, 132(2), 206-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2018.10.001

Gonçalves, L. F., da Silva, A. F., & Nogueira, F. S. (2021). Economic policy uncertainty and stock market volatility in Brazil. Finance Research Letters, 38, 101485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2020.101485

Goodfriend, M. (2016). The case for unencumbering interest rate policy at the zero lower bound. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 2016(1), 165-219. https://doi.org/10.1353/eca.2016.0015

Gürkaynak, R. S., Sack, B., & Swanson, E. (2013). The sensitivity of long-term interest rates to economic news: Evidence and implications for macroeconomic models. American Economic Review, 95(1), 425-436. https://doi.org/10.1257/0002828053828430

Hoshi, T. (2017). The impact of Abenomics on stock prices and the economy. Asian Economic Policy Review, 12(2), 215-237. https://doi.org/10.1111/aepr.12172

Ito, T., & Mishkin, F. S. (2020). Two decades of Japanese monetary policy and the deflation problem. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 34(1), 25-44. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.34.1.25

Kashyap, A. K., & Stein, J. C. (2012). The optimal conduct of monetary policy with interest on reserves. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 4(1), 266-282. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.4.1.266

Kashyap, A. K., & Stein, J. C. (2012). The optimal conduct of monetary policy with interest on reserves. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 4(1), 266-282. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.4.1.266

Keynes, J. M. (1936). The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. London: Macmillan.

Knight, S. (2017). Brexit and the implications for financial markets. Economic Affairs, 37(2), 253-270. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecaf.12251

Muth, J. F. (1961). Rational expectations and the theory of price movements. Econometrica, 29(3), 315-335. https://doi.org/10.2307/1909635

Rey, H. (2015). Dilemma not trilemma: The global financial cycle and monetary policy independence. NBER Working Paper Series, No. 21162. https://doi.org/10.3386/w21162

Rigobon, R., & Sack, B. (2003). Measuring the reaction of monetary policy to the stock market. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 118(2), 639-669. https://doi.org/10.1162/003355303321675473

Sy, A. N. (2020). African stock markets and COVID-19: Impact and policy responses. African Development Bank Working Paper Series. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3608627

Whaley, R. E. (2013). Trading volatility: At what cost? Journal of Portfolio Management, 40(1), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.3905/jpm.2013.40.1.095

Yaya, O. S., & Shittu, O. I. (2016). Stock market volatility in Nigeria: Evidence from GARCH models. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, 7(3), 307-330. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-05-2015-0051

Downloads

Published

2024-07-31

How to Cite

Nkatha, E. (2024). Impact of Monetary Policy on Stock Market Volatility. International Journal of Finance, 9(5), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.47941/ijf.2141

Issue

Section

Articles