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Cryptocurrency returns and the volatility of liquidity

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  • Leirvik, Thomas

Abstract

In this paper I document a positive relation between the volatility of liquidity and expected returns. Specifically, I analyze the relationship between the idiosyncratic volatility of market liquidity and the returns of the five largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. I find that the correlation between liquidity volatility and returns is overall significantly positive, but highly time-varying. This implies that investors demand a premium for a high variation in liquidity volatility. I furthermore find that the correlation between returns and the level of liquidity is mostly positive, thus, when liquidity is low, expected returns are high. The results corroborates results from other financial markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Leirvik, Thomas, 2022. "Cryptocurrency returns and the volatility of liquidity," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:44:y:2022:i:c:s1544612321001124
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2021.102031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Lee, Chi-Chuan & Yu, Chin-Hsien & Zhang, Jian, 2023. "Heterogeneous dependence among cryptocurrency, green bonds, and sustainable equity: New insights from Granger-causality in quantiles analysis," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 99-109.
    6. Brauneis, Alexander & Mestel, Roland & Riordan, Ryan & Theissen, Erik, 2022. "Bitcoin unchained: Determinants of cryptocurrency exchange liquidity," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 106-122.
    7. Khalfaoui, Rabeh & Hammoudeh, Shawkat & Rehman, Mohd Ziaur, 2023. "Spillovers and connectedness among BRICS stock markets, cryptocurrencies, and uncertainty: Evidence from the quantile vector autoregression network," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    8. Xia, Yufei & Sang, Chong & He, Lingyun & Wang, Ziyao, 2023. "The role of uncertainty index in forecasting volatility of Bitcoin: Fresh evidence from GARCH-MIDAS approach," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    9. Abdülsamet Aça & Kemal Dinçer Dingeç, 2023. "NARDL Yönteminin Kripto Para Birimlerine Yönelik Bir Monte Carlo Simülasyon Analizi," EKOIST Journal of Econometrics and Statistics, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(39), pages 37-48, December.
    10. Mustafa Tevfik Kartal & Mustafa Kevser & Fatih Ayhan, 2023. "Asymmetric effects of global factors on return of cryptocurrencies by novel nonlinear quantile approaches," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1515-1535, June.
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