TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– In order to assess the informational efficiency of African equity markets (AEMs), the purpose of this paper is to examine long memory in both equity returns and volatility using auto‐regressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA)‐FIGARCH/hyperbolic GARCH (HYGARCH) models.Design/methodology/approach– In order to test for long memory, the behaviour of the auto‐correlation function for 11 AEMs is examined. Following the graphical analysis, the authors proceed to estimate ARFIMA‐FIGARCH and ARFIMA‐HYGARCH models, specifically designed to capture long‐memory dynamics.Findings– The results show that these markets (largely) display a predictable component in returns; while evidence of long memory in volatility is very mixed. In comparison, results from the control of the UK and USA show short memory in returns while evidence of long memory in volatility is mixed. These results show that the behaviour of equity market returns and risks are dissimilar across markets and this may have implications for portfolio diversification and risk management strategies.Practical implications– The results of the analysis may have important implications for portfolio diversification and risk management strategies.Originality/value– The importance of this paper lies in it being the first to systematically analyse long‐memory dynamics for a range of AEMs. African markets are becoming increasingly important as a source of international portfolio diversification and risk management. Hence, the results here have implication for the conduct of international portfolio building, asset pricing and hedging.
VL  - 26
IS  - 4
SN  - 1086-7376
DO  - 10.1108/10867370910995726
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/10867370910995726
AU  - McMillan David G.
AU  - Thupayagale Pako
PY  - 2009
Y1  - 2009/01/01
TI  - The efficiency of African equity markets
T2  - Studies in Economics and Finance
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 275
EP  - 292
Y2  - 2024/04/24
ER  -