Asymmetric volatility in the cryptocurrency market: New evidence from models with structural breaks

Previous literature shows that major cryptocurrencies exhibit inverse asymmetric volatility: positive shocks increase price volatility more than negative ones. In this study, we revisit the asymmetric volatility dynamics of major cryptocurrencies using asymmetric GARCH models that incorporate endogenously detected structural breaks. Our results show that after incorporating structural breaks, volatility persistence decreases and asymmetric volatility increases for all cryptocurrencies in this study. Thus, prior research that ignores structural breaks underestimates the impact of unexpected news on price volatility in cryptocurrency markets. We also present important economic implications of our results: ignoring structural breaks adversely affects the hedging strategies, derivatives valuations, and risk exposure measurement of investors in cryptocurrency markets. •The literature shows that major cryptocurrencies exhibit inverse asymmetric volatility.•Asymmetric volatility of major cryptocurrencies is analyzed via GARCH models with endogenous structural breaks.•Results show that after incorporating structural breaks, asymmetric volatility increases for all examined cryptocurrencies.•We also present important economic implications of our results.