We show that unexpected changes in the trajectory of COVID-19 infections predict US stock returns, in real time. Parameter estimates indicate that an unanticipated doubling (halving) of projected infections forecasts next-day decreases (increases) in aggregate US market value of 4 to 11 percent,...

We outline a method for using asset prices to identify firm exposure to changes in policy. We highlight the benefits of this approach for studying trade agreements and apply it to two US trade liberalizations, with China and Canada. We find that abnormal equity returns during key events...

We develop a new method for identifying firm exposure to changes in policy using asset prices that has several advantages over standard measures: it is natively firm level, it encompasses the net impact of all avenues of exposure, it yields estimates for firms in all sectors of the economy, and...