Non-linear Causality Between Stock Returns And Inflation Uncertainty: Evidence From The US And The UK

Abstract

This study analyzes the dynamic relationships between inflation uncertainty and stock returns by employing the linear and non-linear Granger causality tests for the US and the UK. Using GARCH model to generate a measure of inflation uncertainty, it does not have a predictive power for stock returns, as predicted by Friedman, and it does not support the opportunistic central bank hypothesis suggested by Cukierman-Meltzer. However, the findings from non-linear Granger causality put forth that there is a bi-directional non-linear predictive power between these variables. Stock market is used as a hedge against inflation uncertainty.