Impact of Covid-19 on Stock Market Indices: Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange

Abstract

Purpose: The study intends to address the question, “What is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on stock market indices in the Colombo Stock Exchange”. This would support potential and existing investors to understand the behaviour of the stock market during the pandemic to make effective long-term decisions since there are only a few studies currently available in Sri Lankan context. Design/Methodology/Approach: A log-linear multiple regression model was executed whereby the dependent variables, All Share Price Index and S&P SL 20 index, were regressed against independent variables, daily new cases and deaths reported, fiscal and monetary policy measures implemented, and island-wide travel restrictions imposed during the period to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on the financial market over 270 days, from 27th January 2020 to 30th April 2021, covering two waves of the pandemic. Findings: The regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between the stock indices and the number of daily cases and deaths and a negative relationship with the travel restrictions imposed during the period. The policy measures implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka were insignificant in the index movements. Based on the results of this study, a positive impact on the stock indices was discovered during the pandemic; hence investors should refrain from panic withdrawals from the market. Originality: This is among the few studies to analyze the stock market performance during the Covid-19 pandemic adapted to the Sri Lankan context. The variables taken in the study can cover various aspects of the pandemic situation.