Digital Veblen Goods

Jan 29, 2024

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We propose a new framework for understanding non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cryptoassets that typically represent digital artwork. We posit that NFTs are digital Veblen goods: consumers demand them partly because other consumers do. Demand for NFT collections is thus fragile; issuers respond by underpricing their NFTs in primary markets, creating profit opportunities for “scalpers.” We construct a simple model of NFT markets emphasizing social forces on demand and verify its predictions empirically. Our results have implications for redesigning NFT primary markets and for interpreting NFT returns.

Anthony Lee Zhang

Anthony Lee Zhang

University of Chicago Booth School of Business