The association of the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities with stock market returns: A case of the USA and China

Abstract

The daily stock indices/returns of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) were examined from January 2, 2020, to April 2, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The sample was then split into three event windows. The returns were negative during the post-COVID-19 window for both markets. Interestingly, a positive link was found between NYSE returns and COVID-19 cases and deaths during the peak COVID-19 death window. These findings indicate the buying frenzy of investors in the NYSE in the wake of the increased pandemic level as compared to the SSE.