Network Analysis of Economic Sectors: An Exploration of Structure using the HITS Algorithm.

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the structure of the national economic networks in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, at different stages of stock exchange development. Daily return data from the Refinitiv database were used, along with excess returns calculated by subtracting short-term government bond yields from index returns in each country. Key influencers and those heavily impacted by the economic system, were identified by applying Granger causality analysis and the HITS algorithm to nine industry indices. The results showed that the industrial sector (INDUS) significantly influenced other sectors in Japan and Thailand and that the economic sectors most affected by other industries varied by country. These findings have implications for policymakers seeking to manage and mitigate potential economic impacts from influential industrial sectors and identify the industry groups most susceptible to potential crises. This study contributes to the existing literature on the topic, enhancing understanding of economic networks, while further research is still needed in different countries and at various stages of economic development to fully comprehend the intricacies of economic networks.