Bitcoin as a Safe Haven: Is It Even Worth Considering?

Abstract

Research in cryptofinance has continued to consider whether Bitcoin possesses a safe haven property as traditionally defined by its correlation with other assets during times of market stress. However, this neglects other attributes of assets that are important to investors during periods of crisis. Bitcoin is more volatile, less liquid, and costlier to transact (in terms of time and fees) than other assets (including the traditional safe haven of gold) even in normal market conditions. Until the market matures, it is therefore unlikely to be worth considering Bitcoin as a safe haven.

Keywords: Bitcoin, Safe Haven, Gold, Cryptofinance, Cryptocurrency

JEL Classification: G00, G01, G1, G11