Calculation of the Financial Stress Index and its Impact Analysis on Iran's Economic Growth; Application of the Markov-Switching Autoregressive Model

Financial markets, by reducing transaction costs and information asymmetries in the economy, will increase returns, capital accumulation and economic growth. Although the growth of financial markets has a decisive role in economic growth, it should be noted that the emergence of a crisis in financial markets can, in turn, lead to an economic decline and, in some circumstances, lead to a recession. One of the warning signs of financial crisis is an increase in stress that is taking place in financial markets, and leading to increased uncertainty and instability in the economy. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to calculate the financial stress index in Iran's financial markets and then determine its effects on economic growth.

In this study, firstly, using seasonal data of various financial markets including the banking sector, stock market and foreign exchange market, a composite indicator of financial stress for the Iranian economy during the period 1991- 2017 using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and then the effects of this index on economic growth have been evaluated using Markov switching Autoregressive method. Financial stress is recognized as an intermediary channel between shocks and the emergence of financial crises in the economy.

The results of the model’s estimation show that Iran's economy has suffered negative financial stress over the course of 13 years, which has led to a decrease in the instability of economic growth and has had a positive financial stress during 9 years, which has led to an increase in economic growth in the country. Of course, the sustainability of years of recession and negative financial stress have been more positive than the years of financial flourishing and financial stress, so that the overall effect of financial stress on economic growth was negative and significant.

It can be said that one of the reasons for financial stresses and consequently financial crises is the market’s orientation in the financial structure of the country.