Pairs trading with a mean-reverting jump–diffusion model on high-frequency data |
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Authors: | Johannes Stübinger Sylvia Endres |
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Institution: | Department of Statistics and Econometrics, University of Erlangen–Nürnberg, D-90403Nürnberg, Germany. |
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Abstract: | This paper develops a pairs trading framework based on a mean-reverting jump–diffusion model and applies it to minute-by-minute data of the S&P 500 oil companies from 1998 to 2015. The established statistical arbitrage strategy enables us to perform intraday and overnight trading. Essentially, we conduct a three-step calibration procedure to the spreads of all pair combinations in a formation period. Top pairs are selected based on their spreads’ mean-reversion speed and jump behaviour. Afterwards, we trade the top pairs in an out-of-sample trading period with individualized entry and exit thresholds. In the back-testing study, the strategy produces statistically and economically significant returns of 60.61% p.a. and an annualized Sharpe ratio of 5.30, after transaction costs. We benchmark our pairs trading strategy against variants based on traditional distance and time-series approaches and find its performance to be superior relating to risk–return characteristics. The mean-reversion speed is a main driver of successful and fast termination of the pairs trading strategy. |
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Keywords: | Finance Statistical arbitrage Pairs trading High-frequency data Jump–diffusion model Mean-reversion |
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