Evaluating Cryptocurrency Market Risk on the Blockchain: An Empirical Study Using the ARMA-GARCH-VaR Model

Abstract

Cryptocurrency, a novel digital asset within the blockchain technology ecosystem, has recently garnered significant attention in the investment world. Despite its growing popularity, the inherent volatility and instability of cryptocurrency investments necessitate a thorough risk evaluation. This study utilizes the Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) model combined with the Generalized Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroscedastic (GARCH) model to analyze the volatility of three major cryptocurrencies-Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB)-over a period from January 1, 2017, to October 29, 2022. The dataset comprises daily closing prices, offering a comprehensive view of the market's fluctuations. Our analysis revealed that the value-at-risk (VaR) curves for these cryptocurrencies demonstrate significant volatility, encompassing a broad spectrum of returns. The overall risk profile is relatively high, with ETH exhibiting the highest risk, followed by BTC and BNB. The ARMA-GARCH-VaR model has proven effective in quantifying and assessing the market risks associated with cryptocurrencies, providing valuable insights for investors and policymakers in navigating the complex landscape of digital assets.