Investment Risk Management in Major Stock Exchanges and SME Markets of Emerging Economies

Introduction. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial in the economy by providing jobs, contributing to GDP, efficiently providing products and services where economies of scale are not needed and creating cash flows. However, SMEs encounter certain obstacles, with financial constraints being the major ones. SME markets have been perceived as another opportunity for SMEs to obtain external financing. Aim and tasks. This study aims to analyse the interactions between major stock and SME markets in emerging economies, focusing on China, India, and Indonesia. Results. The diagonal BEKK and DCC-GARCH models analyse the transitions between these stock markets. The study findings offer compelling evidence of dynamic conditional correlations across all markets and illustrate significant volatility spillovers among the SME markets. This correlation is evident both in the short and long periods. The evidence indicates that small- and medium-sized market volatility significantly affects larger markets. The findings reveal a substantial interplay between the major and SME stock markets in emerging economies, including China, India, and Indonesia. According to the diagonal BEKK and the DCC results, investors should not expect significant diversification benefits by including primary and SME market instruments in their portfolios. Investors should closely monitor the co-movements and transitions between these markets to optimise their portfolio diversification strategies. Conclusions. Creating an environment and conditions that promote the growth of SMEs and improve resilience through specific fiscal alternatives, enhancing access to financing, and upgrading market infrastructure are essential. This study found substantial interplay between major and SME stock markets. Policymakers should be aware that SME market fluctuations influence larger stock exchanges and destabilise macroeconomic conditions, such as economic stability and growth. Therefore, regulatory actions that project the need and operational efficiency of stock market segments should be implemented to prevent adverse effects. For instance, transparency and risk management can stabilise SME stock markets to avoid volatility in larger markets.