Stock Market Integration

Within March 5th 2008 and April 3rd 2009, the All Share index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange dropped by 69.94%. The decline (though at varying levels) was also witnessed among emerging and developed stock markets. While various factors could be responsible for the performance observed, this study examined the role of selected emerging and developed stock markets on the performance of the Nigerian stock exchange. The philosophy of the study is premised on the increasing linkage of financial markets across the globe and the likely implication of such interdependence on their performance. Within the context of financial crisis, the major findings from the study were in two folds: first, the Nigerian stock exchange was more integrated to the developed stock markets during the crisis period hence, declining performance observed during the period studied in the Nigerian stock market, can be attributed to the financial crisis. Lastly, contrary to the role that counter cyclical policies are expected to play in stabilizing business circles, the Nigerian stock market was more responsive to oil market policy adjustments than to the monetary policy actions during the financial crisis.