In recent years foreign aid was often conditioned on good institutions. Due to this course the development of financial institutions has been considered vital for the development process. This thesis points in its theoretical part to the positive effects of efficient stock markets on economic growth and examines empirically the efficiency of Africa’s sub-Saharan stock markets. Results are then compared with the same tests on four emerging markets in Asia and as a benchmark on S&P 500 and DAX. It discusses further the relationship between market efficiency and financial crisis and comes to the conclusion that
a crisis worsens the respective efficiency level. Nevertheless, all African markets are at least able to pass the critical lowest hurdle of market efficiency. However, conclusions from the
research propose, that the Asian markets perform better than the African markets, although the study comes to some inconclusive results. Limits to the efficient market hypothesis itself
and its empirical analysis are shown throughout the paper. The study suggests that former reforms need to be intensified in order to avoid a further increase in overall income inequalities.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH)
- Importance of Efficient Markets
- Empirical Tests on the EMH
- Literature Review
- Financial Crisis and Market Efficiency
- The Development of Sub-Saharan Stock Markets and Economic Growth
- Characteristics and Trends of the Sub-Saharan Stock Markets
- Data and Testing
- Data
- Descriptive Statistics
- The Model
- Estimation Results
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis investigates the efficiency of sub-Saharan African stock markets and their impact on economic growth. It examines the relationship between market efficiency and financial crises, comparing African markets with Asian emerging markets and developed market benchmarks (S&P 500 and DAX). The study aims to determine the level of market efficiency in these African markets and explore implications for economic development and income inequality.
- Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Impact of financial crises on market efficiency
- Relationship between efficient stock markets and economic growth
- Comparison of African and Asian emerging markets
- Implications for economic development and income inequality
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis, highlighting the increasing integration of African economies into the global financial system and emphasizing the importance of efficient stock markets for economic development. It provides a concise overview of the thesis's objectives, methodology, and key findings, setting the context for the subsequent chapters' deeper dives into specific aspects of the efficient market hypothesis within the context of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH): This chapter lays the theoretical groundwork by defining the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) and explaining its various forms. It discusses the crucial role efficient markets play in fostering economic growth by efficiently allocating capital and reducing information asymmetry. The chapter also explores various empirical tests used to evaluate market efficiency, setting the stage for the empirical analysis conducted later in the thesis.
Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing literature on the EMH, focusing on studies that have examined the efficiency of emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Asia. It synthesizes findings from previous research, identifying areas of consensus and disagreement in the field and highlighting the gaps in knowledge that this thesis seeks to address. This provides a critical context for the present study's contribution to the literature.
Financial Crisis and Market Efficiency: This chapter investigates the impact of financial crises on market efficiency. It explores theoretical arguments and empirical evidence suggesting that crises can significantly disrupt market efficiency, potentially leading to misallocation of capital and hindering economic growth. The discussion frames the analysis of sub-Saharan African markets within the broader context of global financial instability and its implications for market behavior.
The Development of Sub-Saharan Stock Markets and Economic Growth: This chapter examines the link between the development of sub-Saharan African stock markets and economic growth. It explores how the establishment and growth of these markets have influenced capital accumulation, investment decisions, and overall economic performance. The chapter contextualizes the empirical analysis by exploring the historical development of these markets and their role in facilitating economic progress.
Characteristics and Trends of the Sub-Saharan Stock Markets: This chapter presents an overview of the key characteristics and recent trends in sub-Saharan African stock markets. It provides descriptive statistics on market size, liquidity, and volatility, offering valuable insights into the specific context within which the subsequent efficiency tests are conducted. The chapter may present key data on market capitalization and trading volumes, providing a crucial backdrop for understanding the performance of these markets.
Data and Testing: This chapter details the data used in the empirical analysis and describes the econometric models employed to test the efficiency of the sub-Saharan African stock markets. It explains the methodology, including data sources, variable definitions, and the statistical techniques used to test for weak-form efficiency. The chapter justifies the choice of models and statistical tests, ensuring transparency and allowing for scrutiny of the results. The description of the statistical tests used, such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, would be integral.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Efficient Market Hypothesis, Sub-Saharan Africa, Stock Markets, Emerging Markets, Economic Growth, Financial Crisis, Market Efficiency, Econometrics, Empirical Analysis, Income Inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis investigates the efficiency of sub-Saharan African stock markets and their impact on economic growth. It examines the relationship between market efficiency and financial crises, comparing African markets with Asian emerging markets and developed market benchmarks.
What are the key objectives of this research?
The study aims to determine the level of market efficiency in sub-Saharan African stock markets and explore the implications for economic development and income inequality. Specific objectives include examining the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) in this context, analyzing the impact of financial crises on market efficiency, and exploring the relationship between efficient stock markets and economic growth.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) in Sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of financial crises on market efficiency, the relationship between efficient stock markets and economic growth, a comparison of African and Asian emerging markets, and the implications for economic development and income inequality.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into several chapters: an introduction, a chapter explaining the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), a literature review, a chapter on financial crises and market efficiency, a chapter on the development of Sub-Saharan stock markets and economic growth, a chapter describing the characteristics and trends of these markets, and finally, a chapter detailing the data and testing methodology employed.
What methodology is used in the empirical analysis?
The empirical analysis uses econometric models to test the efficiency of sub-Saharan African stock markets. The chapter detailing this process explains the data sources, variable definitions, and statistical techniques used, including the justification for the chosen models and tests (e.g., Augmented Dickey-Fuller test).
What data is used in the study?
The thesis specifies the data used in the empirical analysis within the "Data and Testing" chapter. This includes details on data sources and descriptive statistics.
What are the key findings of the thesis (as previewed)?
The provided preview does not give specific findings but rather outlines the methodology and scope of the research to determine market efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa and its connection to economic growth and development. The complete thesis would contain the detailed findings.
What is the significance of this research?
The research is significant because it contributes to the understanding of market efficiency in a context of developing economies. The findings could have implications for policymakers and investors, informing decisions related to economic development and investment strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Efficient Market Hypothesis, Sub-Saharan Africa, Stock Markets, Emerging Markets, Economic Growth, Financial Crisis, Market Efficiency, Econometrics, Empirical Analysis, Income Inequality.
Where can I find the complete thesis?
The provided text is a preview only. The location of the complete thesis is not specified.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Groh (Author), 2009, Efficient Market Hypothesis in Africa’s Sub-Saharan Stock Markets, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/136647