Does bitcoin provide hedge to Islamic stock markets for pre- and during COVID-19 outbreak? A comparative analysis with gold.

This paper applies the DCC-FIGARCH model to investigate the role of Bitcoin as a hedge and safe haven for Islamic stock markets in comparison with gold. We use daily data for the period January 2010-May 2020, which covers the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical results show that the dynamic correlation between Bitcoin and Islamic stock markets is low and usually negative during major economic and political events suggesting that Bitcoin qualifies as a safe haven against Islamic stock markets downturns. Extending our analysis to portfolio management, findings reveal that the diversification benefits of Bitcoin are most times stable and increase significantly during turbulent periods. Thereby, adding Bitcoin in a portfolio of Islamic stocks reduce the risk of portfolio. Finally, as regards the COVID-19 outbreak period, we find that the hedging strategy involving Bitcoin leads to a higher cost during the crisis. These results provide substantial recommendations for Islamic investors and portfolio managers.