Strategic approach to analyze the effect of Covid-19 on the stock market volatility and uncertainty: a first and second wave perspective

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on the stock market volatility and uncertainty during the first and second waves.Design/methodology/approachThis study has applied event study and autoregressive integrated moving average models using daily data of confirmed and death cases of Covid-19, US S&P 500, volatility index, economic policy uncertainty and S&P 500 of Bombay Stock Exchange to attain the purpose.FindingsIt is observed that, during the first wave, the confirmed cases and the fiscal measure have a significant impact, while the vaccination initiative and the abnormal hike of confirmed cases have a significant impact on the US stock returns during the second wave. It is further observed that the volatility of Indian and US stock markets spillovers during the sample period. Moreover, a perpetual correlation between the Covid-19 and the stock market variables has been noticed.Research limitations/implicationsAt present, the world is experiencing the third wave of Covid-19. This paper has considered the first and second waves.Practical implicationsIt is expected that business leaders, stock market regulators and the policymakers will be highly benefitted from the research outcomes of this study.Originality/valueThis paper briefly highlights the drawbacks of existing policies and suggests appropriate guidelines to successfully implement the forthcoming initiatives to reduce the catastrophic impact of Covid-19 on the stock market volatility and uncertainty.