ARE GREEN CRYPTOCURRENCIES SAFE? INVESTIGATION OF THE GREEN AND NON-GREEN CRYPTOCURRENCIES

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies, which started with Bitcoin, which was released differently from traditional payment and investment tools, have large transaction volumes today. In addition to the many economic benefits of cryptocurrencies, which are used both as a payment tool and as a financial investment tool, high energy consumption and a heavy carbon footprint come with them. With the owner of the automaker Tesla stating that he is worried about the increasing use of fossil fuels in Bitcoin mining and cutting its support for Bitcoin, the price of Bitcoin has fallen sharply, while green cryptocurrencies have reached historical peaks. This situation reminded the investors that they should handle risky investments carefully and also highlighted the importance of green investment tools. Understanding the relationship between green cryptocurrencies and other assets is essential for investors looking to expand their portfolios and seize emerging opportunities. In this direction, the study examined whether green cryptocurrencies are a safe haven against non-green cryptocurrencies in the period of January 2022–July 2023. In the analysis, DCC-GARCH analysis, risk, and return analyses were performed for safe haven. According to the analysis' findings, among cryptocurrencies, green cryptocurrencies are most likely to be a safe haven for investors.