Flatten the Curve and Stock Market Liquidity – An Inquiry into Emerging Economies

In this study, we focus on two dimensions of COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on liquidity in emerging equity markets, the real human costs and the government response. Using a sample of 23 emerging markets across three regions, our findings suggest that decreasing (increasing) trend in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is associated with improving (deteriorating) liquidity in financial markets. We also find that policy interventions in terms of restrictions on movement and businesses are associated with improved liquidity. Results suggest that flattening curve of coronavirus infections helps reduce uncertainty among investors.