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Cryptocurrencies are not immune to coronavirus: Evidence from investor fear

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  • Hoang, Lai T.
  • Baur, Dirk G.

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of fear of coronavirus on returns and volatility of five major cryptocurrencies during the COVID-19 outbreak. Adopting Google search volume on a comprehensive list of coronavirus-related terms to construct a gauge of fear, we show that daily innovations in coronavirus fear are associated with lower prices and higher volatility. The effects are driven by the extreme events and associated googling in March 2020. Out-of-sample tests further show a significant contribution of fear to forecasting next-day returns and volatility. The results indicate that (i) cryptocurrencies (particularly bitcoin) are not a safe haven for investors against the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) Google searches contain important information to explain cryptocurrency market movements during times of crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoang, Lai T. & Baur, Dirk G., 2023. "Cryptocurrencies are not immune to coronavirus: Evidence from investor fear," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 1444-1463.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:88:y:2023:i:c:p:1444-1463
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2023.06.018
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cryptocurrencies; Bitcoin; Coronavirus; Pandemic; Google Trends;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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