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Cryptocurrencies: applications and investment opportunities

Author

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  • A. Can Inci
  • Rachel Lagasse

Abstract

Purpose - This study investigates the role of cryptocurrencies in enhancing the performance of portfolios constructed from traditional asset classes. Using a long sample period covering not only the large value increases but also the dramatic declines during the beginning of 2018, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete analysis of the dynamic nature of cryptocurrencies as individual investment opportunities, and as components of optimal portfolios. Design/methodology/approach - The mean-variance optimization technique of Merton (1990) is applied to develop the risk and return characteristics of the efficient portfolios, along with the optimal weights of the asset class components in the portfolios. Findings - The authors provide evidence that as a single investment, the best cryptocurrency is Ripple, followed by Bitcoin and Litecoin. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies have a useful role in the optimal portfolio construction and in investments, in addition to their original purposes for which they were created. Bitcoin is the best cryptocurrency enhancing the characteristics of the optimal portfolio. Ripple and Litecoin follow in terms of their usefulness in an optimal portfolio as single cryptocurrencies. Including all these cryptocurrencies in a portfolio generates the best (most optimal) results. Contributions of the cryptocurrencies to the optimal portfolio evolve over time. Therefore, the results and conclusions of this study have no guarantee for continuation in an exact manner in the future. However, the increasing popularity and the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies will assist their future presence in investment portfolios. Originality/value - This is one of the first studies that examine the role of popular cryptocurrencies in enhancing a portfolio composed of traditional asset classes. The sample period is the largest that has been used in this strand of the literature, and allows to compare optimal portfolios in early/recent subsamples, and during the pre-/post-cryptocurrency crisis periods.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Can Inci & Rachel Lagasse, 2019. "Cryptocurrencies: applications and investment opportunities," Journal of Capital Markets Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 3(2), pages 98-112, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jcmspp:jcms-05-2019-0032
    DOI: 10.1108/JCMS-05-2019-0032
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. V. Anandhabalaji & Manivannan Babu & J. Gayathri & J. Sathya & G. Indhumathi & R. Brintha & Justin Nelson Michael, 2023. "Examining the Volatility of Conventional Cryptocurrencies and Sustainable Cryptocurrency during Covid-19: Based on Energy Consumption," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(6), pages 344-352, November.
    2. Nichanan Sakolvieng, 2024. "Optimizing Cryptocurrency Portfolios: A Comparative Study of Rebalancing Strategies," GATR Journals jfbr220, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    3. Srivastava, Richa & Singh, Deepak Kumar & Rana, Nripendra P., 2024. "Analysis of barriers to investment and mining in cryptocurrency for traditional and tech-savvy investors: A fuzzy approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bitcoin; Ripple; Portfolio optimization; Cryptocurrencies; Litecoin; Markowitz; G01; G11; O16; O33;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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