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Cryptocurrencies and the threat versus the act event of geopolitical risk

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  • Kamal, Md Rajib
  • Wahlstrøm, Ranik Raaen

Abstract

We examine the reactions of the cryptocurrency market to two events that occurred during the escalation of the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022. Using hourly data, we find that the escalation exerted a negative influence on both liquidity and returns. Interestingly, the actual escalation triggered a more pronounced drop than the threat of escalation shortly before. This contrasts with the stock market, where threats of geopolitical events are found to have a greater impact. Post-escalation, we observe indications of increased demand for cryptocurrencies, potentially as a means to circumvent Western sanctions imposed on Russia or to provide aid to Ukraine.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamal, Md Rajib & Wahlstrøm, Ranik Raaen, 2023. "Cryptocurrencies and the threat versus the act event of geopolitical risk," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:57:y:2023:i:c:s1544612323005962
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104224
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    1. Dario Caldara & Matteo Iacoviello, 2022. "Measuring Geopolitical Risk," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(4), pages 1194-1225, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oana Panazan & Catalin Gheorghe, 2024. "Impact of Geopolitical Risk on G7 Financial Markets: A Comparative Wavelet Analysis between 2014 and 2022," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cryptocurrencies; Geopolitical risk; Russia–Ukraine war; Liquidity; Returns;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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