Extreme tail network analysis of cryptocurrencies and trading strategies

We examine the median- and tail-based return interdependence among cryptocurrencies under both normal and extreme market conditions. Using daily data and combining the LASSO technique with quantile regression within a framework of network analysis, the main results show the following: Interdependence is higher at tails than at medians, especially the right tail. Bitcoin is not the leading risk transmitter or receiver, but this role is taken by smaller cryptocurrencies. The volatilities of market, size, and momentum drive return connectedness and clustering coefficients under both normal and extreme market conditions. Finally, profitable trading strategies are constructed and evaluated.