From Frontier to Emerging: Does Market Reclassification Matter?

43 Pages Posted: 29 Jan 2012 Last revised: 6 Feb 2012

See all articles by Nasser Saidi

Nasser Saidi

Nasser Saidi & Associates

Aathira Prasad

Nasser Saidi & Associates

Vineeth Naik

Bocconi University

Date Written: January 22, 2012

Abstract

This paper discusses and compares the market classification criteria and methodology used by the various index providers, including MSCI, noting the similarities and differences. MSCI have indicated that the UAE and Qatar are being considered for re-classification from Frontier to Emerging market status, subject to a number of reforms. Evidence on the effects of reclassifications in both developed and developing economies is studied in this paper and we find that while MSCI have undertaken some 14 reclassifications over the years, six of them have been downgrades while there have been no reclassification from Frontier to Emerging, yet. Using past examples of classification changes, this paper examines the short- and long-term impacts of the reclassification - including an empirical analysis of the effects on markets returns of the classification of Egypt and Morocco as emerging markets. Our results indicate that the initial announcement of a potential reclassification leads to an “overshooting” with investors speculatively bidding up securities prices and returns prior to the actual reclassification event, leading to almost no impact post-reclassification. Additionally, too much emphasis is placed on a potential market reclassification, with many forgetting that reclassifications are best viewed as signaling a confirmation of policy reforms and changes in market conditions, which trigger the reclassification. Thus, there is an identification effect whereby improved market conditions, which are a result of policy actions and reforms (leading to a reclassification), could empirically be attributable to the reclassification itself.

Keywords: MSCI, reclassification, emerging market, frontier market, market reforms, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, event study

Suggested Citation

Saidi, Nasser and Prasad, Aathira and Naik, Vineeth, From Frontier to Emerging: Does Market Reclassification Matter? (January 22, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1994623 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1994623

Nasser Saidi (Contact Author)

Nasser Saidi & Associates ( email )

1704 Al Seef Tower
Dubai Marina
Dubai, 211975
United Arab Emirates

HOME PAGE: http://www.nassersaidi.com

Aathira Prasad

Nasser Saidi & Associates ( email )

DMCC
Dubai
Dubai, Dubai 211975
United Arab Emirates

Vineeth Naik

Bocconi University ( email )

Via Sarfatti, 25
Milan, MI 20136
Italy

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