Volatility spillover effect in western Balkans

Abstract

This article examines volatility spillover among Western Balkan's stock markets and selected developed markets. If there is an evidence of weak linkage between various markets, then there are potential benefi ts that could arise from international diversifi cation. However, if we analyse the relationship between two markets that are different in terms of their economic development, and if there is a strong connection between them, market shocks from the developed markets can have an impact on the frontier/emerging markets. Market integration can be indicated with returns linkage and transmission of shocks and volatility between markets. Hence, this can have implications for investment strategies. It is found that there is statistically signifi cant regional spillover between countries of the Western Balkan region. Also, there is global spillover between developed markets and this region as well. Furthermore, there is evidence that Western Balkan's markets are late in response to important market events, and that can be used when formulating investment strategy.