A0250
Title: Hedging the extreme risk of cryptocurrency
Authors: Kwamie Dunbar - Simmons University (United States)
Johnson Owusu-Amoako - Fayetteville State University (United States) [presenting]
Abstract: The attractiveness of crypto investments is highlighted by their Sharpe ratios which are generally higher than that of similarly risky equity returns (MRP). However, this remarkable level of performance comes with significant risk. 1-week Value-at-Risk (VaR) losses indicate that cryptos' potential 1-week losses were far more significant than MRPs. New evidence is provided showing that MRP is a meaningful diversifier of crypto risks. We also document that MRP reduces the downside risk of risk-averse investors at exactly the time it is needed, such as during periods of elevated levels of economic uncertainty.