Are cryptocurrencies safe havens during the COVID-19 pandemic? A threshold regression perspective with pandemic-related benchmarks

Barbu, Teodora Cristina; Boitan, Iustina Alina; Cepoi, Cosmin-Octavian

doi:10.18559/ebr.2022.2.3

Abstract

The paper employs a threshold regression framework conditioned by two COVID-19 related proxies, to investigate whether Bitcoin and Ether exhibit short-term safe haven or diversifier features for stock and bond markets. Both cryptocurrencies fulfil a diversifier role for the responsible investments represented by sustainable stock market indices, a safe haven role for major bond markets and a mixed role for a selection of representative stock market indices. Furthermore, in times characterized by an increasing number of COVID-19 daily cases or deaths the statistical relationship between both cryptocurrencies and the main financial market determinants weakens.

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Are cryptocurrencies safe havens during the COVID-19 pandemic? A threshold regression perspective with pandemic-related benchmarks

Abstract

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