Network structure and risk-adjusted return approach to stock indices integration: A study on Asia-Pacific countries

Abstract

The study attempts to examine the stock market integration for Asia-Pacific countries using networks and forms Risk Adjusted Differential Return (RADR) and Benchmark Indices Network (BIN) indices. The RADR index is higher during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), indicating a higher level of integration. The inter-country network structure is designed where network parameters are capable of explaining stock market integration. Network parameters are higher during the GFC and are used to form a network index - BIN. This study concludes BIN to be a better measure than RADR, as network parameters are independent of differential index return.

keywords: Asia-Pacific region; Differential return; Network structure; Stock-market integration