In this study we use a structural VAR model to investigate the effects
of monetary and fiscal policy shocks on stock market performance in
Germany, the UK and the US. Using quarterly data for the period
1991:1–2010:4 we find evidence suggesting that both fiscal and monetary
policies affect stock market, either directly or indirectly. More importantly,
though, we find evidence that the interaction between the
two policies is very important in explaining stock market developments.
More specifically, the individual stances of fiscal and monetary policies,
aswell as their interaction, directly affect the UK stockmarket developments.
With reference to Germany, we cannot find evidence of a
direct effect of the fiscal policy on stock market performance, although
an indirect effect can be shown, via the interest rate channel. Money
supply, on the other hand, appears to have a positive effect on DAX
30, which is not filtered through the interest rate channel. Thus, evidence
for Germany suggests that the interaction between fiscal policy
and interest rates is also important in explaining innovations in DAX
30. Finally, the US money supply affects interest rates, which in turn
negatively affects the stock market. Dow Jones does not appear to receive
any direct influence from fiscal policy. Nevertheless, given that a
link between fiscal expenditure and money supply is established, we
argue that the interaction between fiscal and monetary policy variables
is also important in deciphering the US stock market developments.
The robustness checks stress the importance of incorporating both
fiscal and monetary policies in a single framework, as their interaction appears to have a significant contribution to the analysis of stock markets
behaviour.
These results have important implications for both investors and analysts
as in their effort to understand the relationship between macroeconomic
policies and stock market performance they should consider
fiscal and monetary policy in tandem rather than in isolation.
The identification of the effects of anticipated and unanticipated policies
on national stock markets, within the framework of this study, is a
promising area for future research. In addition, it is essential that further
studies involve the examination of countries with significantly different
monetary policies regimes (e.g. countries with exchange rate targeting
central bank).