Cryptocurrencies and oil price shocks: A NARDL analysis in the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores potential non-linear and asymmetric interdependencies between oil price shocks and leading cryptocurrency returns. In addition, this research splits changes in crude oil prices into three relevant components: risk, demand, and supply shocks. By applying the NARDL methodology, this paper examines the connection between oil and cryptocurrencies in the period between November 20, 2018 and June 30, 2020, conducting a study of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results confirm that demand shocks show the greatest connection with the returns of the cryptocurrencies analysed. In addition, both short-term and longterm results show a greater interdependence between oil and cryptocurrencies in periods of economic turbulence, such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus crisis.

Automated summary

This study reveals that demand shocks have the strongest connection with the returns of cryptocurrencies analyzed, and there is a greater interdependence between oil and cryptocurrencies during periods of economic turbulence, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.