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Intelligent design: stablecoins (in)stability and collateral during market turbulence

Author

Listed:
  • Riccardo Blasis

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

  • Luca Galati

    (University of Wollongong
    Rozetta Institute
    University of Molise)

  • Alexander Webb

    (University of Wollongong)

  • Robert I. Webb

    (University of Virginia)

Abstract

How does stablecoin design affect market behavior during turbulent periods? Stablecoins attempt to maintain a “stable” peg to the US dollar, but do so with widely varying structural designs. The spectacular collapse of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin and the linked Terra (LUNA) token in May 2022 precipitated a series of reactions across major stablecoins, with some experiencing a fall in value and others gaining value. Using a Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner (1990) (BEKK) model, we examine the reaction to this exogenous shock and find significant contagion effects from the UST collapse, likely partially due to herding behavior among traders. We test the varying reactions among stablecoins and find that stablecoin design differences affect the direction, magnitude, and duration of the response to shocks. We discuss the implications for stablecoin developers, exchanges, traders, and regulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Blasis & Luca Galati & Alexander Webb & Robert I. Webb, 2023. "Intelligent design: stablecoins (in)stability and collateral during market turbulence," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 9(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:fininn:v:9:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1186_s40854-023-00492-4
    DOI: 10.1186/s40854-023-00492-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stablecoins; Herding; Information cascades; Volatility spillovers; Market crashes; Financial contagion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F61 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Microeconomic Impacts
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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