Asymmetric Causality Analysis of the Interactions Between Gold and REIT Returns

Abstract

This study examines the causal relationship between gold and real estate investment trust (REIT) returns. In particular, the paper uses a nonparametric causality-in-quantile approach to explore whether gold could serve as a hedging tool against movements in REIT returns. The results provide supportive evidence of bidirectional and asymmetric causality-in-variance between gold and REIT returns. There is evidence of asymmetric causality-in-mean between gold and All REITs, and equity REIT returns. The results from the full sample nonlinear Granger causality test indicate that gold and REIT returns have a causal influence on each other. Taken together, the results imply that gold investment could serve as a hedge against volatilities in the REIT market and vice versa.

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