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Low-volatility strategies for highly liquid cryptocurrencies

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  • Kaya, Orçun
  • Mostowfi, Mehdi

Abstract

Managing extreme price fluctuations in cryptocurrency markets are of central importance for investors in this market segment. Using a sample of highly liquid cryptocurrencies from January 2017 to June 2021, this paper proposes a dynamic investment strategy that selects cryptocurrencies based on their historical volatility and is complemented by a simple stop-loss rule. Our results reveal that investing in highly concentrated low volatility cryptocurrency portfolios with six to twelve months volatility look-back and holding period generate statistically significant excess returns. By including a simple stop-loss rule, the downside risk of cryptocurrency portfolios is reduced markedly, and the Sharpe ratios are improved significantly.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaya, Orçun & Mostowfi, Mehdi, 2022. "Low-volatility strategies for highly liquid cryptocurrencies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 46(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:46:y:2022:i:pb:s1544612321004116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2021.102422
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    Cited by:

    1. Hong, Xin & Pang, Ningjing & Wang, Zhibin, 2022. "Stop-loss early termination clause and hedge fund performance," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    2. Sadaqat, Mohsin & Butt, Hilal Anwar, 2023. "Stop-loss rules and momentum payoffs in cryptocurrencies," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 39(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cryptocurrencies; Portfolio optimization; Volatility; Stop-loss rules;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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