Time varying volatility transmission: the case of emerging equity markets in Asia and Latin America, 1984 – 2004

Using a multivariate BEKK GARCH model, we investigate volatility transmission i.e. spillover effects within and between emerging equity markets in Asia and Latin America. Our approach allows cross-border spillover effects to vary over time and we break the time series of market returns into four distinct time intervals which correspond with periods of equity market segmentation, liberalisation, financial crisis, and economic recovery. Generally, volatility transmission is time varying in emerging markets but it does not necessarily increase following equity market liberalisation. Our estimates suggest there are some differences in the evolution of volatility transmission between Asian and Latin markets. However, we find evidence of cross-border interdependencies between Asian and Latin equity markets.