We analyze whether the design of cryptocurrencies helps to explain the huge cross-sectional variation in the market values of cryptocurrencies. We propose a taxonomy of design features and hand-collect data on these features for a sample of 79 cryptocurrencies. Using a two-stage regression approach and LASSO regressions, we find, inter alia, that forks and deviations from the design of Bitcoin are associated with lower valuation. In contrast, non-anonymous cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrencies that do not pass on any transaction fees and/or tips to agents who maintain the integrity of the network have, on average, higher market values. These results are robust to variations in the way we measure market valuation.
Search Authors in
