The focus of this research is bitcoin’s variability and its comparison with the variability of the EURO/USD exchange rate. Virtual currencies have been evolving in a dynamic way in the last few years. Under 600 different virtual currencies, the most successful was bitcoin. Its adherents saw in it an alternative to the traditional means of payments allowing the performance of real-time transactions at low costs. The accessibility, where no financial infrastructure is ensured or where either limited or no international agreements exist between financial and banking institutions was also an advantage. The opponents perceived this as a temporary curiosity with no future. Time confirmed that bitcoin has gained on popularity and the exchange rate to the main currencies rose in a dynamic way. The analysts, however, underline that the bitcoin is too volatile and unpredictable, so it cannot compete against the main currencies. The aim of this research is to compare the bitcoin (BTC) to US Dollar (USD) exchange rate and Euro to USD exchange rate volatility using control charts. The results have shown that BTC/USD exchange rate volatility is strongly affected by unexpected price jumps during the period (2010–2016), an act that significantly distinguishes it from more stable and predictable EUR/USD exchange rate variability.
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