Natural disasters: blessings in disguise?

Abstract

This study examines the impact of natural disasters on market returns and on several industries that are likely to be affected by the disasters. We find that different natural disasters have different impacts on the returns of the market and on those of industries. Our evidence suggests that while earthquake, hurricane and tornado could negatively affect market returns several weeks after the events, other disasters such as flood, tsunami and volcanic eruption may have limited impact on market returns. We also find that construction and materials industry is positively affected by natural disasters but nonlife and travel industries are likely to suffer when a natural disaster strikes.