Dynamic correlation analysis of financial contagion: Evidence from Asian markets

We apply a dynamic conditional-correlation model to nine Asian daily stock-return data series from 1990 to 2003. The empirical evidence confirms a contagion effect. By analyzing the correlation-coefficient series, we identify two phases of the Asian crisis. The first shows an increase in correlation (contagion); the second shows a continued high correlation (herding). Statistical analysis of the correlation coefficients also finds a shift in variance during the crisis period, casting doubt on the benefit of international portfolio diversification. Evidence shows that international sovereign credit-rating agencies play a significant role in shaping the structure of dynamic correlations in the Asian markets.