Cryptocurrencies as Safe-Haven Assets and Portfolio Diversifiers: Evidence from Emerging Markets

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Introduction

This study examines the hedging and safe-haven properties of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) against emerging stock market (ESM) indices. Key findings highlight their evolving roles during market turbulence, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Findings

  1. Hedging Performance:

    • BTC demonstrated superior hedging effectiveness for ESM indices compared to ETH during the pandemic.
    • All hedging costs increased significantly during volatile periods.
  2. Portfolio Strategies:

    • Pre-pandemic: Optimal weight-based strategies outperformed traditional hedge portfolio approaches.
    • Pandemic period: BTC alone exhibited strong safe-haven properties for Malaysia’s stock index.
  3. Safe-Haven Attributes:

    • Weak safe-haven effects were observed for most ESM indices, except BTC’s resilience in Malaysia.

Implications for Investors


FAQs

Q1: Can cryptocurrencies reliably hedge against stock market downturns?

A1: While BTC showed promise, effectiveness varies by market conditions. ETH’s hedging capacity was notably weaker.

Q2: How did the pandemic impact crypto-stock correlations?

A2: Hedging costs surged, with BTC emerging as a more stable hedge than ETH.

Q3: Should investors prioritize BTC or ETH for portfolio diversification?

A3: BTC’s historical performance suggests better risk mitigation, but ETH may suit long-term growth-oriented portfolios.


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