Machine learning approaches to forecasting cryptocurrency volatility: Considering internal and external determinants

Abstract

Given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, accurately forecasting cryptocurrency volatility and understanding its determinants are crucial. This paper applies machine learning (ML) techniques to forecast cryptocurrency volatility using internal determinants (e.g., lagged volatility, previous trading information) and external determinants (e.g., technology, financial, and policy uncertainty factors). Both Random Forest and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks significantly outperform traditional volatility models such as GARCH. Furthermore, we explore two optimization models—Genetic Algorithm and Artificial Bee Colony—to tune the hyper-parameters of LSTM. Our results indicate that the application of these optimization models substantially improves forecasting performance. Moreover, using SHapley Additive exPlanations, an interpretation method, we find that internal determinants play the most important roles in volatility forecasts. Finally, our results show that models trained with determinants from multiple cryptocurrencies outperform those trained with determinants from a single cryptocurrency, suggesting that considering a broader range of determinants can capture the complex dynamics in the cryptocurrency market.