New technologies and the role of cryptocurrency at the level on an investment portfolio

Abstract

New technologies have a significant role in modern financial markets. The application of new technologies, application and software solutions has enabled financial institutions and individual and institutional investors to use mathematical-statistical and econometric models, which are based on analysis and evaluation of investment portfolios, financial risk assessment and extrapolation, as well as predictability related to cyclical economic trends, which are directly reflected in the investment portfolio. Due to the impact of the financial crisis, and especially due to global negative economic trends caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative forms of financial assets that are directly created by the application of new technologies are becoming increasingly important in the international financial market. These alternative forms of financial assets are presented as cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency in the global financial market, and Ethereum is the second cryptocurrency in terms of market turnover. In this regard, arises the question: "Do these two leading cryptocurrencies have a significant impact on the modern financial market, as well as on the decision of individual and institutional investors regarding a different structure of the investment portfolio?" Restructuring the investment portfolio by including cryptocurrencies, aims to achieve portfolio diversification in order to better manage market and financial risks. This paper will analyze the impact of cryptocurrencies, their volatility, turnover volume and the possibility of using them as alternative financial assets of an optimal investment portfolio.