IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON ISLAMIC BANK INDICES OF THE GCC COUNTRIES

Abstract

The present study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Islamic bank indices in GCC countries banking sector. The research aims to know the ability of Islamic Bank indices to face the COVID-19 crisis and examine whether Islamic bank indices can respond to the volatility in the stock exchanges. The study uses data of stock exchanges and Dow Jones Islamic Market Index in GCC countries banking sector to relate the data before and during the COVID-19 crisis. It is found that Islamic banks have ability to respond the financial and economic crisis. Also, Islamic banks are able to provide their valuable services continuously and perform their financial activities during and after the crisis competently. The results also indicate that Islamic Bank Indices in GCC countries have performed better during 2019 with significant closing prices compared to 2020. As during 2020 fifteen banks recorded normal decreasing in its indices and six Islamic banks achieved growth in its indices. In Q1, Q2 of 2021 the Islamic banks achieved positive growth in its indices price. This specifies that Islamic Banks have managed the financial and economic crisis in an efficient manner. JEL Classification Codes: E44, E58, G24, G18, H12.