Cointegration and Pairs Trading in Major Cryptocurrencies

Abstract

Abstract This paper applies cointegration tests to identify cryptocurrency pairs which can be used in pairs trading strategies. The aim of this research is twofold. First, I want to examine cointegration in a system of bitcoin, dashcoin, dogecoin and litecoin. In the second part, I create pairs trading strategies in order to determine whether excess return can be made, compared to a simple buy and hold approach. The results find evidence of cointegration between the cryptocurrencies and positive profitability using pairs trading. By creating a portfolio in which the funds are equally allocated to the strategies with an open position, excess return can be made.