Examination of impact of COVID-19 on stock market: evidence from American peninsula

Purpose The rapid spread of COVID-19 has dramatic effects on financial market across the globe. This study analyzes the relationship between the COVID-19 cases, age and stock market indexes in Central America, North America, and South America. Design/methodology/approach The panel regression analysis on three regions from March 10, 2020 to April 9, 2020 was conducted to test the hypothesized model. The authors used Levin et al.'s (2002) panel data unit root test to check the stationarity, and Hausman (1978) test was applied to determine the random and fixed effects. Findings The authors' panel regression results indicate that the COVID-19 cases have a negative impact on stock indexes, whereas the age has a positive impact on the stock indexes. The region-wise analysis supports the panel finding except for South America, which shows an insignificant association between stock indexes and COVID-19 cases. Originality/value The study supplements the literature by examining the impact of pandemics on stock indexes and focus on three multicultural regions, comprising developed, developing and emerging countries, which are hitherto unaddressed.