Abstract
Cryptocurrencies employ different consensus protocols to verify transactions. While the “proof-of-work” consensus protocol is the most energy-consuming protocol, “proof-of-stake” and the hybrid of these two consensus protocols, which consume considerably less energy, have also been introduced. We employ portfolio analysis to explore whether energy is a fundamental economic factor affecting cryptocurrency prices. Surprisingly, our results suggest that, on average, cryptocurrencies employing proof-of-work consensus protocols do not generate returns that are significantly different from those that incorporate proof-of-stake consensus protocols. Even more surprising is that our results show that cryptocurrencies that incorporate the hybrid version of these consensus protocols generate significantly higher average returns than the other groups. A possible explanation for this phenomenon may be that the cryptocurrency market is still driven by the trust factor rather than the energy factor.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
