Modeling, forecasting and trading the EUR exchange rates with hybrid rolling genetic algorithms: support vector regression forecast combinations

The motivation of this paper is to introduce a hybrid Rolling Genetic Algorithm-Support Vector Regression (RG-SVR) model for optimal parameter selection and feature subset combination. The algorithm is applied to the task of forecasting and trading the EUR/USD, EUR/GBP and EUR/JPY exchange rates. The proposed methodology genetically searches over a feature space (pool of individual forecasts) and then combines the optimal feature subsets (SVR forecast combinations) for each exchange rate. This is achieved by applying a fitness function specialized for financial purposes and adopting a sliding window approach. The individual forecasts are derived from several linear and non-linear models. RG-SVR is benchmarked against genetically and non-genetically optimized SVRs and SVMs models that are dominating the relevant literature, along with the robust ARBF-PSO neural network. The statistical and trading performance of all models is investigated during the period of 1999–2012. As it turns out, RG-SVR presents the best performance in terms of statistical accuracy and trading efficiency for all the exchange rates under study. This superiority confirms the success of the implemented fitness function and training procedure, while it validates the benefits of the proposed algorithm

European exchange trading funds trading with locally weighted support vector regression

In this paper, two different Locally Weighted Support Vector Regression (wSVR) algorithms are generated and applied to the task of forecasting and trading five European Exchange Traded Funds. The trading application covers the recent European Monetary Union debt crisis. The performance of the proposed models is benchmarked against traditional Support Vector Regression (SVR) models. The Radial Basis Function, the Wavelet and the Mahalanobis kernel are explored and tested as SVR kernels. Finally, a novel statistical SVR input selection procedure is introduced based on a principal component analysis and the Hansen, Lunde, and Nason (2011) model confidence test. The results demonstrate the superiority of the wSVR models over the traditional SVRs and of the v-SVR over the ε-SVR algorithms. We note that the performance of all models varies and considerably deteriorates in the peak of the debt crisis. In terms of the kernels, our results do not confirm the belief that the Radial Basis Function is the optimum choice for financial series

Applications of hybrid neural networks and genetic programming in financial forecasting

This thesis explores the utility of computational intelligent techniques and aims to contribute to the growing literature of hybrid neural networks and genetic programming applications in financial forecasting. The theoretical background and the description of the forecasting techniques are given in the first part of the thesis (chapters 1-3), while the contribution is provided through the last five self-contained chapters (chapters 4-8). Chapter 4 investigates the utility of the Psi Sigma neural network when applied to the task of forecasting and trading the Euro/Dollar exchange rate, while Kalman Filter estimation is tested in combining neural network forecasts. A time-varying leverage trading strategy based on volatility forecasts is also introduced. In chapter 5 three neural networks are used to forecast an exchange rate, while Kalman Filter, Genetic Programming and Support Vector Regression are implemented to provide stochastic and genetic forecast combinations. In addition, a hybrid leverage trading strategy tests if volatility forecasts and market shocks can be combined to boost the trading performance of the models. Chapter 6 presents a hybrid Genetic Algorithm – Support Vector Regression model for optimal parameter selection and feature subset combination. The model is applied to the task of forecasting and trading three euro exchange rates. The results of these chapters suggest that the stochastic and genetic neural network forecast combinations present superior forecasts and high profitability. In that way, more light is shed in the demanding issue of achieving statistical and trading efficiency in the foreign exchange markets. The focus of the next two chapters shifts from exchange rate forecasting to inflation and unemployment prediction through optimal macroeconomic variable selection. Chapter 7 focuses on forecasting the US inflation and unemployment, while chapter 8 presents the Rolling Genetic – Support Vector Regression model. The latter is applied to several forecasting exercises of inflation and unemployment of EMU members. Both chapters provide information on which set of macroeconomic indicators is found relevant to inflation and unemployment targeting on a monthly basis. The proposed models statistically outperform traditional ones. Hence, the voluminous literature, suggesting that non-linear time-varying approaches are more efficient and realistic in similar applications, is extended. From a technical point of view, these algorithms are superior to non-adaptive algorithms; avoid time consuming optimization approaches and efficiently cope with dimensionality and data-snooping issues

The Forecast of Exchange Rates using Artificial Neural Networks, and their comparison to classic models

2014 dissertation for MSc in Financial Management. Selected by academic staff as a good example of a masters level dissertation. Predicting Foreign Exchange rates has forever been a task of great importance to any individual, business or organization having to deal with a foreign currency. In the wake of a world where global transactions are an everyday activity, readiness and skill when dealing with the forecasting of international monetary movements is a key factor in the success of any operation; be it that of an individual investor, or that of multi-national index listed company. The motivation behind the desire of conquering the skill of forecasting may range from the simple desire to hedge one‟s investments and dealings in a foreign currency, to that of a speculative investor, looking for arbitrage opportunities in trading foreign exchange markets. This paper had for motivation to test and compare various models in their ability to forecast the return generated by price movements of three globally available and traded currencies; notable the Euro – US Dollar, the Euro-Swiss Franc and the Pound Sterling – US Dollar. Recent studies have been showing great promise in the use of Artificial Neural Networks in the field of forecasting exchange traded assets and currencies; which is why this paper has discussed the performance of 4 Learning Machine models in comparison to 3 base models and 2 linear models. The learning machine models being studied are the Multi-Layer Perceptron, the Higher Order Neural Network, Gene Expression and Rolling Genetic-Support Vector Regression. These models were compared using various methods of statistical evaluation, in order to measure the discrepancy of the forecasted values from the actual values, as well as the annualized return and the risk to return ratio. It was concluded that modern forecasting technique do outweigh the classic base and linear models in terms of forecasting accuracy as well as potential gain and risk to return

Predicting Exchange Rate under UIRP Framework with Support Vector Regression

This study aimed to forecast the exchange rate between the Vietnamese dong and the US dollar for the following month in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It used the Support Vector Regression (SVR) algorithm under the Uncovered Interest Rate Parity (UIRP) theoretical framework; the results are compared with the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model and the Random Walk (RW) model under the rolling window method. The data included the VND/USD exchange rate, the bank interest rate for the 1-month term, and the 1-month T-bill from January 01, 2020, to September 11, 2021. The research discovered a linear link between the two nations' exchange rates and interest rate differentials. Interest rate differentials are input variables to forecast interest rate differentials. Furthermore, the connection between the exchange rate and interest rate differentials during this era does not support the UIRP hypothesis; hence, the error for OLS predictions remains large. The study provided a model to forecast future exchange rates by combining the UIRP theoretical framework and the SVR algorithm. The UIRP theoretical framework can anticipate exchange rate differentials using the input variable and the interest rates between two nations. Meanwhile, the SVR algorithm is a robust machine learning technique that enhances prediction accuracy. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-03-014 Full Text: PD

Evaluation Study of Linear Combination Technique for SVM related Time Series Forecasting

Time series forecasting and SVM are widely used in many domains, for example, smart city and digital services. Focusing on SVM related time series forecasting model, in this paper we empirical investigate the performance of eight linear combination techniques by using M3 competition dataset which includes 3003 time series. The results reveals that the “forecast combination puzzle” is not exist for combining SVM related forecasting model as the simple average is almost the worst combination technique

Forecasting Foreign Exchange Rates with the use of Artificial Neural Networks/Learning Machines and comparison with Traditional Concepts and Linear Models

2014 dissertation for MSc in Finance & Risk. Selected by academic staff as a good example of a masters level dissertation. The prediction of Foreign Exchange has been an ever-going learning process. The development of methods of prediction has come a long way, from the beginning where the though there was no ability to predict the future, and behavior is an unpredictable entity to the development of simple statistical linear models that has come a long way to todays technology world where computers and their computational powers have made it possible for Artificial Intelligence to be born. This paper will be going through previous studies on these Neural Networks to forecast the EUR/USD, GBP/USD and USD/JPY to test and review their ability to forecast one day ahead

Inflation and unemployment forecasting with genetic support vector regression

In this paper a hybrid genetic algorithm–support vector regression (GA-SVR) model in economic forecasting and macroeconomic variable selection is introduced. The proposed algorithm is applied to the task of forecasting US inflation and unemployment. GA-SVR genetically optimizes the SVR parameters and adapts to the optimal feature subset from a feature space of potential inputs. The feature space includes a wide pool of macroeconomic variables that might affect the two series under study. The forecasting performance of GA-SVR is benchmarked with a random walk model, an autoregressive moving average model, a moving average convergence/divergence model, a multi-layer perceptron, a recurrent neural network and a genetic programming algorithm. In terms of our results, GA-SVR outperforms all benchmark models and provides evidence on which macroeconomic variables can be relevant predictors of US inflation and unemployment in the specific period under study