Stock return volatility in an emerging market: a case study of the Karachi Stock Exchange

Reports concerns that the lifting of restrictions on portfolio investment by foreigners would lead to overheating or excessive volatility in the capital markets of developing countries. Describes the abrupt lifting of restrictions on the Karachi Stock Exchange in Pakistan, given six notable developments in 1991. Examines the homogeneity of variance on weekly returns on the market index from 1988 to 1993 (over the period of liberalization). Finds that stock market volatility will reflect economic variables in the long run, while the market is shown to be information‐efficient.