Dynamic linkages and interdependence between Mediterranean region EMU markets during 2007 financial crisis

This paper examines the volatility spillover effects among Mediterranean equity markets and investigates the effects of the 2007 financial crisis. German, Greek, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese markets are investigated. German market is used as a benchmark market. We employ a multivariate generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (MGARCH) model to identify the direction and magnitude of volatility spillovers. By using a sample of daily data from 1994 to 2009, we find evidence that before the global crisis begins, the largest impact in Mediterranean markets had the Germany market. In post-crisis period, Spain had the higher spillover effects between the other markets, followed by Germany, Italy, Portugal and Greece. Our results have implications for investors, policy makers, entrepreneurs and academicians.