F51 - International Conflicts; Negotiations; SanctionsReturn

This study investigates the transmission of geopolitical tensions between the United States and China to their stock markets within a dynamic and asymmetric framework. The analysis uses monthly returns of the S&P 500 and the Shanghai Composite Index, along with the log-difference of the US-China Tension Index (UCT), covering the period 1993-2024. An asymmetric TVP-VAR model is applied to capture time-varying and directional spillovers arising from positive and negative tension shocks. At the same time, a quantile-VAR connectedness analysis is employed for robustness. The results reveal pronounced asymmetries in spillover dynamics. Increases in geopolitical tensions lead to stronger and more widespread effects than periods of easing, particularly during crisis episodes, when spillover intensity rises markedly. The findings further show that while UCT shocks significantly impact financial markets, extreme market stress can also trigger feedback effects on geopolitical tension indicators. In addition, the Chinese stock market exhibits higher sensitivity to UCT shocks than the US market, indicating greater exposure to geopolitical risk. Overall, the results underline the persistent impact of geopolitical tensions on stock market dynamics.