Precious metals as hedging assets: Evidence from MENA countries

Modern trading systems are mechanic, run automatically on computers inside trading platforms and decide their position against the market through optimized parameters and algorithmic strategies. These systems now, in most cases, comprise high frequency traders, especially in the Forex market.
In this research, a piece of software of an automatic high frequency trading system was developed, based on the technical indicator PIVOT (price level breakthrough). The system made transactions on hourly closing prices with weekly parameters optimization period, using the d-Backtest PS method.
Through the search and checking of the results, two findings for optimization of trading strategy were found. These findings with the order they were examined and are presented in this paper are as follows: (1) the simultaneous use of “long and short” positions, with different parameters in a hedging account, acts as a hedging strategy, minimizing losses, in relation to a “long or short” in a non-hedging account for the same time period and (2) there is weak correlation of past backtesting periods between the same systems, if they are configured for “long and short” trades, or for just “long” or for just “short”.

This study investigates the short-run and long-run impact of coups on Thailand’s financial markets. Using daily data from the stock and foreign exchange markets during the period 2005–2017, the study shows (1) both coups in 2006 and in 2014 exert short-run impact on Thailand’s stock and foreign exchange markets; (2) however, the direction and magnitude of impact are different and opposite in the two coups; and (3) in the long run, the coups exhibit minimal impact on the currency market, but induce better market performance (positive return and decrease in the return volatility) despite an increase in liquidity risk of the stock market. Against common beliefs about negative consequences of the coup d’états, this study suggests that the uncertainty surrounding coups can bring good investment opportunities for investors to earn abnormal profits. Moreover, in the long term, the coup can drive the country to better stability and development.

In recent years, investors have perceived that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices significantly increase the value of companies’ stocks. This study investigates the impact of ESG inclusion on the price, liquidity and financial performance of stocks listed in the Indian ESG indices. Two major Indian benchmark ESG Indices, the BSE100 ESG and Nifty 100 ESG, were considered for the study. A total sample of 64 firms from the BSE100 ESG index and 86 firms from the Nifty100 ESG index were selected. The market model of the event study methodology was employed to measure AAR and CAAR and to demonstrate the effect before and after the inclusion of the stocks in the ESG indices. The empirical results show a highly significant negative AAR on the announcement day, i.e., on (day = 0) for BSE100 ESG index stocks and an insignificant positive AAR for Nifty100 ESG index stocks. In addition, the results also document a significant negative CAAR for BSE 100 ESG stocks and a positive insignificant CAAR for Nifty100 ESG stocks. Moreover, the liquidity test results revealed a considerable liquidity enhancement in the stocks posts their inclusion in the BSE100 ESG. At the same time, there were no significant changes in the liquidity ratio of stocks after being included in the Nifty100 ESG index. This study concludes that there will be a substantial improvement in the companies’ financial performance as indicated by EPS and market capitalization after their inclusion in the ESG indices.