Inter-Asset Correlation Sensitivity
Inter-asset correlation sensitivity is the degree to which a portfolio's risk profile changes when the prices of different assets begin to move in unison. In normal market conditions, diversification across different assets can reduce risk.
However, during periods of extreme stress or systemic contagion, correlations often trend toward one, meaning all assets crash together. This phenomenon invalidates the safety benefits of diversification and can catch traders and protocols off guard.
Sensitivity analysis involves testing how a portfolio performs under scenarios where all assets exhibit high positive correlation. By understanding this sensitivity, risk managers can better prepare for "all-in" market sell-offs.
This is particularly important for protocols that accept a wide range of volatile tokens as collateral, as they must ensure that their risk models account for the tendency of the entire market to correlate during crises.