Journal of Digital Market and Digital Currency
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Regular Issue March 2026

Causal Relationship Between AI R&D Investment and Stock Market Performance Using VAR and Granger Causality Models

Salem, Abdel Badeeh M. (Unknown)
Aqel, Musbah J. (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the causal relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) R&D investment and stock market performance using a time-series econometric framework. Drawing on data from AI-driven firms between 2015 and 2024, the research applies Vector Autoregression (VAR) and Granger Causality models to explore whether innovation spending influences short-term financial outcomes. The analysis employs monthly aggregated data on AI R&D Spending and Stock Market Impact, supported by correlation analysis, impulse response estimation, and forecast error variance decomposition. The results indicate that AI R&D investment and market performance exhibit no statistically significant short-term causal linkage, as confirmed by non-significant Granger p-values (p > 0.05) and weak correlation (r = 0.13). The Impulse Response Function (IRF) shows a transient positive effect of R&D shocks on stock performance, peaking at approximately +0.12% before dissipating after the fourth period. Meanwhile, the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) reveals that more than 99% of the variance in R&D spending is explained by its own historical dynamics, suggesting minimal feedback from market reactions. These findings collectively imply that AI R&D investments operate on a long-term strategic horizon, while financial markets react within short-term informational cycles, creating a temporal disconnect between innovation effort and market recognition. The study contributes to the literature on innovation-finance dynamics by providing empirical evidence that technological progress and financial valuation evolve asynchronously, reflecting their inherently different timeframes and behavioral logics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JDMDC

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Digital Market and Digital Currency publishes high-quality research on: Digital Marketing Digital Currencies Cryptocurrency Trends Blockchain Applications Fintech Innovations Our goal is to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share innovative findings, ...