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Native Market Factors for Pricing Cryptocurrencies

Author

Listed:
  • Tomé Lima

    (Service Delivery Manager at FundsDLT, Luxembourg)

  • Helder Sebastião

    (Univ Coimbra, CeBER, Faculty of Economics)

Abstract

The cryptocurrency market has been growing frantically in number of cryptocurrencies, online exchanges, and market capitalization, which has amplified the need for comprehensive and robust pricing models. Using a database of all eligible cryptocurrencies listed on the CoinMarketCap website, we study the relationship between returns and several potential pricing factors, such as size (market capitalization), momentum, liquidity, and maturity. The analysis was conducted from December 27, 2013, to December 29, 2020, using weekly data for 3'667 cryptocurrencies. Results point out that portfolios of cryptocurrencies with smaller market capitalization, higher reversal, lower liquidity, and lower maturity tend to offer higher returns. The 5-factor model that additionally includes illiquidity and maturity performs better than the 3-factor model previously proposed in the literature, meaning that illiquidity and maturity significantly help capture the cross-sectional cryptocurrency risk premia. The 5-factor model presented seems robust to different procedures to construct portfolios and factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomé Lima & Helder Sebastião, 2023. "Native Market Factors for Pricing Cryptocurrencies," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 57, pages 71-85, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gmf:journl:y:2023:i:57:p:71:85
    DOI: 0.14195/2183-203X_57_3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bitcoin; cryptocurrencies; asset pricing; factor models.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • 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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