Risk synchronization among Australian stock sectors: Evidence from dynamic connectedness approach

This research employs dynamic connectedness to assess the financial risk synchronization of 11 stock sector indices in Australia spanning May 10, 2001, to April 16, 2021. The results suggest that stock sectors in Australia co-move to a considerable degree with minimal expectations for own contribution to the system. The degree of connectedness rises during major crises. The study adds value to the specific strategies for portfolio allocation, rebalancing, and redeployment of stock sectors amid crises. Evidence also reveals that, except for the persistent net transmitter (Financials) and intermediate geared toward net transmitting (Industrials and Consumer Discretionary), all the remaining sectors offered safe-haven benefits during the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The pairwise dynamic connectedness shows that asset allocation between most pairs sometimes offers hedge, diversification, or safe-haven benefits.