Connectedness network and dependence structure mechanism in green investments

Highlights: ÔÇóThis study examines the nonlinear causality and connectedness network among renewable energy stock, four investments, and uncertainties. ÔÇóThe European stock market has strong market dependence renewable energy stock prices. ÔÇóMost of the uncertainties are net transmitters of volatility connectedness during the 2008–2009 GFC and 2010–2012 ESDC. - Abstract: We present an empirical study of renewable energy stock returns and their relation to four major investment asset classesÔÇöstocks, currency, US Treasury bonds, and oilÔÇöand several sources of uncertainty. Applying nonlinear causality and connectedness network analysis on data covering the period 2004–2016, we investigate the directionality and connectedness among different asset classes, as well as between uncertainties. First, from the results of the estimation of directionality and network spillovers, it can be concluded that the European stock market has a strong market dependence on renewable energy stock prices. Second, uncertainties have an economically significant impact on both return and volatility spillover in energy investments. Third, most of the uncertainties are net transmitters of volatility connectedness during the global financial crisis (GFC) and European sovereign debt crisis (ESDC).