Stock market response to the Russia-Ukraine war: Evidence from an emerging market

Abstract

This study examines the role of financial factors contributing to firms’ resilience during the Russia-Ukraine war. Event study results show a significant adverse reaction, which started before the official war announcement and grew over time. Further, cross-sectional analyses uncover that the negative effect is mitigated for larger and more profitable firms but amplified for high market-cap firms with high cash and debt-holding; both effects are more pronounced for non-financial companies. This study contributes by exploring Turkey as a unique emerging market setting due to its significant geopolitical position, strategic trade, and business partnership with the European Union and Russia.