Abstract We make three contributions to the volatility impulse response function (VIRF) developed by Hafner and Herwartz (2006). First, we derive its law for multivariate GARCH models of the BEKK type. Second, we present a structural embedding of the VIRF, leveraging recent advancements in the identification of multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models. Third, we show how to endow the VIRF with a causal interpretation. We illustrate the merits of a structural VIRF analysis by investigating the impacts of historical and out-of-sample shock scenarios on the U.S. equity, government bond, and foreign exchange markets.