Oil Price Volatility and MENA Stock Markets: A Comparative Analysis of Oil Exporters and Importers

This paper explores the transmission of volatility from Brent oil price evolution to the stock returns of 7 MENA countries, encompassing three importers and four exporters, after excluding four initial countries using the ARCH test. Employing the GARCH-BEKK estimation method, we detect this transmission from January 2008 to September 2022. The results reveal significant volatility persistence across six stock markets with three importer countries and three exporters. These findings align with Shiller’s theory, indicating high volatility in financial markets. Tunisia’s stock market shows sensitivity to oil market developments, while the Omani market demonstrates volatility transfer from Brent oil prices. However, Morocco’s market exhibits resilience, with no significant transmission from international oil prices. Exporting countries, except the UAE, display significant and positive coefficients, indicating volatility transmission. The study suggests further research into underlying mechanisms and recommends policymakers and investors implement strategies to mitigate volatility effects. Advanced modeling and behavioral insights can enhance risk management strategies.