This paper explores the dynamic return and volatility connectedness for the three most relevant agricultural and livestock commodity indexes (Softs, Grains and Livestock) and a media sentiment index as the Coronavirus Media Coverage Index (MCI). To that purpose, we apply the fresh time-varying parameter vector autoregression methodology during the sample period between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2021, that is, covering the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Interesting results are found in this research. First, dynamic total return and volatility connectedness fluctuate over time, reaching a peak during both the first and the third waves of the global pandemic crisis. Second, in the dynamic connectedness TO the system, we observe significant differences between markets at the level of the return connectedness measure. However, in the dynamic volatility connectedness TO, there are very few differences between some elements of the system. The Coronavirus MCI appears as the less relevant receiver FROM the system, not only in terms of dynamic return connectedness but also in volatility. Finally, regarding the net dynamic total connectedness, the Coronavirus MCI shows the highest values in return and volatility, during most of the sample period analysed.

This paper explores the static and dynamic connectedness between oil price shocks (risk, demand and supply shocks) and Spanish sector equity indices from January-2000 to July-2019. We document sizable system-wide connectedness between the variables under study. Among the oil shocks, demand and risk shocks are the main transmitter (receiver) of shocks to (from) the system and are overall net receiver of shocks from the system. Among the equity indices, Industrials, Financials, Utilities and Telecommunications as the major net transmitters whereas; Consumer Goods, Technology, Retail and Telecommunications are the main net receivers. The dynamic connectedness changes over time and between sectors. We document important differences over time and between sectors, mainly during the recent global financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crisis. Overall, Financials, Telecommunications, Industrials and Utilities as the most influential sectors.