This study investigates the causal relationship between stock prices and exchange rates for six Middle Eastern countries, namely, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia before and during (after) the 2007 global financial crisis for the period between January 2004 and September 2015. The sample is divided into two sub-periods, that is, the period from January 1, 2004 to September 30, 2007 and the period from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2015, to represent the pre-crisis period and the post-crisis period, respectively. Using Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model in a multivariate framework (including two control variables, inflation rates and oil prices) the results suggest that in the case of Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, there exists bidirectional causalities after the crisis period but not the before. The opposite status is available for the case of Iran. In the case of Oman, there is bidirectional causality between the variables of interest in both periods. The results also reveal that the relationship between stock prices and exchange rates has become stronger after the 2007 global financial crisis. Overall, the results of this study indicate that fluctuations in foreign exchange markets can significantly affect stock markets in the Middle East.

Purpose The paper tested the – relationship between the stock markets of the Middle East and the USA with the oil price and US dollar index as threshold variables. Research design, data, and methodology – The stock price indices of the USA, the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Jordan), WTI spot crude oil price, and US dollar index were daily returns in the research period from May 21, 2001 to August 9, 2012. Following Hansen (1999), the panel threshold regression model was used. Results – With the US dollar index as the threshold variable, a negative relationship existed between the stock price indices of Jordan and the USA but no significant result was found between the stock price indices of Abu Dhabi and the USA. Conclusions – The USA is an economic power today:even if it has a closer relationship with the US stock market, the dynamic US economy can learn about subsequent developments and plan in advance. Conversely, if it has an estranged relationship with the US stock market, thinking in a different direction and different investment strategies will achieve good results