In a previous post, we demonstrated the mean-reverting and trending properties of SP500. In this follow-up post, we will develop a simple trading system exploiting the mean-reverting behaviour of this market index. To generate buy and sell signals, we will use simple moving averages as noise filters. The simple moving…

A technical or quantitative trading system on a linear (i.e. delta 1) instrument is basically a bet on the autocorrelation of the underlying. The autocorrelation properties of the underlying can be examined directly through autocorrelation functions or indirectly through the Hurst exponent. In this post, we are going to examine…

Dividend yield is an input into the option valuation model that often receives little attention from the practitioners. This is probably because the majority of companies do not pay dividends. …

Historical volatility (HV) is a useful measure to gauge market uncertainty. Recall that, In finance, volatility (usually denoted by σ) is the degree of variation of a trading price series over time, usually measured by the standard deviation of logarithmic returns. …

In the previous installments, we presented the concept of Modern Portfolio Theory. We also provided an optimization algorithm, written in Python, for searching for the optimal portfolio. To continue, we are going to perform some numerical experiments. Specifically, we are going to use the portfolio optimization program developed in the…

In the previous installment, we presented a description of the Model Portfolio Theory and provided a concrete example in Python. We also explained the concept of an Efficient Frontier and provided a visual presentation of it. Recall that, … the efficient frontier (or portfolio frontier) is an investment portfolio which…

The Binomial tree is a standard method for pricing American style options. Recall that, The Binomial options pricing model approach has been widely used since it is able to handle a variety of conditions for which other models cannot easily be applied. This is largely because the BOPM is based…

Last month, efinancialcarreeers published a post, stating that quant’s life is getting harder these days. Back in the day, a quant in finance could devise a strategy, sit back and let the money roll in while lounging about in a silk robe with a fat cigar. Such are the halcyon…

Convertible bonds are complex, hybrid securities. In finance, a convertible bond or convertible note or convertible debt (or a convertible debenture if it has a maturity of greater than 10 years) is a type of bond that the holder can convert into a specified number of shares of common stock…