Return and volatility spillovers between Bitcoin and other asset classes in Turkey Evidence from VAR-BEKK-GARCH approach

Purpose With a substantial return and volatility characteristic of Bitcoin, which may be seen as a new category of investment assets, better understanding of the nature of return and volatility spillover can help investors and regulators in achieving the potential goal from portfolio diversification. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the return and volatility transmission between the Bitcoin, as the largest cryptocurrency, and other traditional asset classes, namely stock, bond and currencies from the standpoint of Turkey over the period July, 2010-June, 2018 using the newly developed multivariate econometric technique, VAR-GARCH, in mean framework with the BEKK representation. Findings The empirical results reveal the existence of the positive unilateral return spillovers from the bond market to Bitcoin market. Regarding the results of shock and volatility spillovers, there exists strong evidence of bidirectional cross-market shock and volatility spillover effects between Bitcoin and all other financial asset classes, except US Dollar exchange rate. Originality/value The important extention is the adoption of a newly developed multivariate econometric technique, VAR-GARCH, in mean framework with the BEKK representation, proposed by Engle and Kroner (1995), which is employed for the first time specifically to examine the extent of integration in terms of volatility and return between Bitcoin and key asset classes. Second, Bitcoin has experienced a rapid growth since around a decade and a number of investors are showing interest in its potential as an integrative part of portfolio diversification. The information provided by empirical results gives empirical bases from which to address topics concerning hedging purposes and optimal portfolio allocation. It is also increasingly important to analyze the current behavior of Bitcoin in relation to other assets to provide policy makers and regulatory bodies with guidance on the role of the Bitcoin as an investment asset in Turkey. Thus, this is the first serious attempt at exploring the potential for Bitcoin to offer diversification opportunities in the context of Turkey.