Interdependence between the bond markets of CEEC-3 and Germany: A wavelet coherence analysis

• We investigate the interdependence between the bond markets of CEEC-3 and Germany.
• The global financial and European debt crises caused contagion in these markets.
• Bond market integration was high before 2004 for Poland and Hungary.
• Bond market integration was very high for the Czech Republic throughout the sample period.
• Interest rate movements in Poland and the Czech Republic mirrored those in Germany.

In this study, we investigate the interdependence between the bond markets of CEEC-3 (Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary) and Germany by using wavelet transform analysis. First, we find that contagion occurred in these markets during the global financial crisis and European debt crisis, at different degrees and in different directions. Second, we show that the degree of bond market integration was relatively high before 2004 for Poland and Hungary and very high for the Czech Republic throughout the sample period. Finally, we find that the interest rate movements in Poland and the Czech Republic mirrored those in Germany for the entire sample period. Implications for investors and policymakers are also suggested.