Asymmetric effects of oil shocks on stock market returns in Saudi Arabia: evidence from industry level analysis

摘要

We examine the impact of oil price shocks on stock market returns in Saudi Arabia using the country-level as well as the industry-level stock market data. We find that the relation between changes in oil prices and equity returns is positive and significant at the country-level and at the industry level. Our results show that oil prices have asymmetric effects on equity returns for 4 out of 15 industrial sectors (e.g., hotel and tourism, insurance, multi-investment, and petrochemicals). These results have significant implications for investors, portfolio managers, policymakers, and corporate finance managers.