Bitcoin as a financial asset: a survey

Abstract

Abstract Since its introduction as a decentralized digital currency for peer-to-peer transactions, Bitcoin’s role in financial markets has undergone significant evolution. We employ bibliometric analysis to explore research trends in Bitcoin, identifying two primary perspectives in the recent financial economic literature: Bitcoin as a speculative asset and as a safe-haven asset. The speculative nature of Bitcoin is evident through its high volatility and frequent price jumps, largely influenced by rapid shifts in investor sentiment and attention, which create both risks and opportunities for traders. Conversely, Bitcoin exhibits characteristics of a safe-haven asset due to its asymmetric tail dependence and negative correlation within certain asset classes.