Cryptocurrencies As an Asset Class? An Empirical Assessment

Journal of Alternative Investments, forthcoming

Posted: 30 Nov 2017 Last revised: 7 Aug 2020

See all articles by Daniele Bianchi

Daniele Bianchi

School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London

Date Written: June 6, 2018

Abstract

I empirically investigate some of the key features of cryptocurrency returns and volatilities such as their relationship with traditional asset classes, as well as the main driving factors behind market activity. The main empirical results suggest that while there is a mild relationship between returns on cryptocurrencies and commodities, precious metals in particular, such relationship does not translates in volatility spillover effects. Consistent with existing theoretical models in which trading activity is primarily driven by investors' sentiment, I show that trading volume is driven by past returns. On the other hand, macroeconomic factors do not seem to affect market activity both in the short-term and in the long-term.

Keywords: Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, Blockchain, Financial Markets, Investments.

JEL Classification: G11, G12, G15, G19

Suggested Citation

Bianchi, Daniele, Cryptocurrencies As an Asset Class? An Empirical Assessment (June 6, 2018). Journal of Alternative Investments, forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3077685 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3077685

Daniele Bianchi (Contact Author)

School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London ( email )

Mile End Road
London, London E1 4NS
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://whitesphd.com

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