COVID-19 and the Crypto Market: A Volatile Dance

You know how a big event like COVID-19 can shake up everything? Well, it certainly shook up the crypto market. Researchers checked out the top ten cryptocurrencies before and during the pandemic and found that volatility really spiked once COVID-19 arrived. Bitcoin and Ethereum were big shots even before, but cryptos like Ripple and Litecoin also became major players after the pandemic hit. Why the change? There are a bunch of different reasons behind it. Plus, the way cryptocurrencies are connected changed too. This is a big deal for investors and government officials trying to handle high-stress events like this pandemic. The pandemic caused a lot of uncertainty, which made the crypto market much more unpredictable. It's like when you're nervous about something, and you start fidgeting more than usual. Similarly, investors and traders got jittery and started making more sudden moves, which affected the market's stability.Researchers used special methods called the spillover index and network analysis to understand these changes. They found that the connections between cryptocurrencies became much stronger and more complex. Before the pandemic, Bitcoin and Ethereum were the main influencers. But after COVID-19, other cryptos like Ripple and Litecoin also started having a significant impact. This shift in the crypto market's connections can be compared to a friend group where a few people always lead the conversation. Before the pandemic, Bitcoin and Ethereum were those leaders. But once the pandemic hit, more friends started chatting up and influencing each other. For investors and government officials, understanding these changes is crucial. High-stress events like a pandemic can disrupt markets, and knowing which cryptocurrencies are driving the changes can help make better decisions. It's like knowing who the influencers are in your friend group so you can better understand the group dynamics.