Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT). The Analysis of Risk and Return

Abstract

This study examines the risk and return characteristics of the NFT-based startups listed on the cryptocurrency exchange. Our investigation is motivated by the recent surge in the NFT activity on the part of creators, investors, and traders. We begin by proposing novel classification of the existing NFTs that range from NFT blockchains through NFT metaverse to NFT DeFi. Next, we establish that NFTs: 1) earn 130% on the first-listing-day; 2) yield an investment multiple of 40 (roughly 4,000%) over the long-term, which is four times higher than bitcoin during the same period; 3) deliver positive and significant alpha and exhibit above-average beta. We also show that the NFT segment of the cryptocurrency market leads market recovery following the mid-2021 crash and generate a return of close to 350%. In the final analysis of the paper, we find that NFT infrastructure integrated within the existing blockchains increase market valuations of these networks.

Keywords: Non-Fungible Token, Metaverse, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Decentralised Finance, Risk, Return, Volatility, NFT, DeFi

JEL Classification: C43, D44, G11, G12, Z11