Seven Career Insights from Successful Algorithmic Traders to Accelerate Your Journey
GoshawkTrades @ twitter
orig
1. A good trading rule must be testable, simple, and understandable; otherwise, it risks being overfitted.
2. Asking the right questions can drastically reduce the time spent solving trading problems.
3. Emotional control is crucial in trading, whether algorithmic or discretionary; algorithmic traders just focus on strategy portfolios instead of single trades.
4. No strategy is flawless; having that mindset delays success, as each strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages.
5. Establishing a process for testing trading strategies is vital to filter out bad ideas and safeguard capital.
6. Trading may be a slow path to wealth, but it can accelerate compounding; chasing quick riches impedes progress.
7. Data-driven decisions lead to better outcomes; relying solely on intuition often leads to errors.
@quant_feed
GoshawkTrades @ twitter
orig
1. A good trading rule must be testable, simple, and understandable; otherwise, it risks being overfitted.
2. Asking the right questions can drastically reduce the time spent solving trading problems.
3. Emotional control is crucial in trading, whether algorithmic or discretionary; algorithmic traders just focus on strategy portfolios instead of single trades.
4. No strategy is flawless; having that mindset delays success, as each strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages.
5. Establishing a process for testing trading strategies is vital to filter out bad ideas and safeguard capital.
6. Trading may be a slow path to wealth, but it can accelerate compounding; chasing quick riches impedes progress.
7. Data-driven decisions lead to better outcomes; relying solely on intuition often leads to errors.
@quant_feed
Analyzing Last Week's Financial Dynamics: The Impact of High Funding Costs on Regional Banks
perfiliev @ twitter
orig
Deposits are getting re-lent back to regional and non-SIB banks through Money Market Funds (MMFs) and the Reverse Repo Facility (RRP) at around 5% rates, thus raising banks' funding costs. Different types of MMFs diversify their investments—not just into RRP but into riskier money market products that offer slightly higher yields. While I foresee potential changes longer-term, immediate shifts aren't expected this year. I'm planning to reactivate my Twitter activity and reassess from there.
@quant_feed
perfiliev @ twitter
orig
Deposits are getting re-lent back to regional and non-SIB banks through Money Market Funds (MMFs) and the Reverse Repo Facility (RRP) at around 5% rates, thus raising banks' funding costs. Different types of MMFs diversify their investments—not just into RRP but into riskier money market products that offer slightly higher yields. While I foresee potential changes longer-term, immediate shifts aren't expected this year. I'm planning to reactivate my Twitter activity and reassess from there.
@quant_feed
Understanding the Distinction: Futures Curve vs. Price Forecast
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
The futures curve is not inherently a price forecast; it's a representation of market expectations and sentiment. However, there are scenarios where it might be interpreted like one. I’ll explore conditions where the curve could be mistaken for a price forecast but emphasize that caution is essential in these interpretations. Let's dig into what those specific scenarios might look like and clarify the nuances.
@quant_feed
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
The futures curve is not inherently a price forecast; it's a representation of market expectations and sentiment. However, there are scenarios where it might be interpreted like one. I’ll explore conditions where the curve could be mistaken for a price forecast but emphasize that caution is essential in these interpretations. Let's dig into what those specific scenarios might look like and clarify the nuances.
@quant_feed
Mastering Quant Interviews: Insights and Resources for Success
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
I found an invaluable resource on acing quant interviews that underscores the importance of rigorous preparation. Effective strategies include practicing mental math using ZetaMac and aiming for scores above 40. For foundational knowledge, a thorough understanding of probability and statistics is crucial; I recommend the book on probability and Durret’s Essentials of Stochastic Processes for stochastic calculus.
In terms of technical skills, Python is the preferred programming language in the industry, though proficiency in C++ can also be advantageous. Key texts include the DPV algorithms book and McKinney's Python for Data Analysis. Linear algebra and calculus fundamentals can be reinforced through Mathematics for Machine Learning, along with practical applications discussed in a referenced cookbook.
For statistics and machine learning, delve into The Elements of Statistical Learning by Hastie. Additionally, familiarize yourself with derivatives through Hull's book and high-frequency trading strategies.
Key interview topics are stochastic calculus, linear algebra, financial derivatives, options Greeks, market making, and programming fundamentals. Popular firms for undergraduates include Akuna Capital, Citadel, Jane Street, Jump Trading, and others.
I'm open to suggestions on overlooked topics, essential books, or noteworthy firms that could enhance this guide further.
@quant_feed
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
I found an invaluable resource on acing quant interviews that underscores the importance of rigorous preparation. Effective strategies include practicing mental math using ZetaMac and aiming for scores above 40. For foundational knowledge, a thorough understanding of probability and statistics is crucial; I recommend the book on probability and Durret’s Essentials of Stochastic Processes for stochastic calculus.
In terms of technical skills, Python is the preferred programming language in the industry, though proficiency in C++ can also be advantageous. Key texts include the DPV algorithms book and McKinney's Python for Data Analysis. Linear algebra and calculus fundamentals can be reinforced through Mathematics for Machine Learning, along with practical applications discussed in a referenced cookbook.
For statistics and machine learning, delve into The Elements of Statistical Learning by Hastie. Additionally, familiarize yourself with derivatives through Hull's book and high-frequency trading strategies.
Key interview topics are stochastic calculus, linear algebra, financial derivatives, options Greeks, market making, and programming fundamentals. Popular firms for undergraduates include Akuna Capital, Citadel, Jane Street, Jump Trading, and others.
I'm open to suggestions on overlooked topics, essential books, or noteworthy firms that could enhance this guide further.
@quant_feed
Practical Approaches to Feature Analysis and Alpha Visualization for Quants and Manual Traders
ltrd_ @ twitter
orig
Analyzing features in trading data is crucial, whether you're a quant or transitioning from manual trading. Start with simple features, like moving averages, then apply practical methods to extract alpha. First, visualize your feature with histograms and plots to identify stationarity; it's essential since stable time series have consistent statistical properties. Use the adfuller test to confirm stationarity.
Discretization is a powerful technique I employ; transforming continuous data into discrete bins (like 13 bins) can reveal insights often overlooked in continuous analysis. A transition matrix derived from these bins helps visualize the probabilities of moving between states, providing insights into market behavior.
When correlating feature X with a target feature Y, like 20-second log returns, visualize expected values across bins to discern market pressure shifts. Pay attention to bin sparsity which could skew results. Analyzing transitions between discretized states for both features gives deeper insights, showing how one state influences another over time.
Key findings often reveal that higher bins in feature X correlate to larger drops in prices, while my analyses emphasize the need to gain fluency in this skill over time. Experimentation is vital, as not every analysis will yield a profitable feature. This iterative process mimics the screen time required for manual traders. Engage with the community to share insights and refine techniques.
@quant_feed
ltrd_ @ twitter
orig
Analyzing features in trading data is crucial, whether you're a quant or transitioning from manual trading. Start with simple features, like moving averages, then apply practical methods to extract alpha. First, visualize your feature with histograms and plots to identify stationarity; it's essential since stable time series have consistent statistical properties. Use the adfuller test to confirm stationarity.
Discretization is a powerful technique I employ; transforming continuous data into discrete bins (like 13 bins) can reveal insights often overlooked in continuous analysis. A transition matrix derived from these bins helps visualize the probabilities of moving between states, providing insights into market behavior.
When correlating feature X with a target feature Y, like 20-second log returns, visualize expected values across bins to discern market pressure shifts. Pay attention to bin sparsity which could skew results. Analyzing transitions between discretized states for both features gives deeper insights, showing how one state influences another over time.
Key findings often reveal that higher bins in feature X correlate to larger drops in prices, while my analyses emphasize the need to gain fluency in this skill over time. Experimentation is vital, as not every analysis will yield a profitable feature. This iterative process mimics the screen time required for manual traders. Engage with the community to share insights and refine techniques.
@quant_feed
Exploring the Paradox of Long Gamma: Why Isn't Everyone Taking Advantage?
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
If you hedge your positions with delta (Δ), you can profit in both rising and falling markets. So why isn't everyone long gamma all the time? It’s crucial to understand the complexities and risks involved. Options trading isn’t as straightforward as it seems. For newcomers, I recommend starting with a solid resource that breaks down these concepts. Volatility sellers, like myself, are aware that we have to strategize to stay profitable. The evolution of zero-days-to-expiration (0dte) options in the crypto space indicates significant shifts in trading dynamics. It’s essential to grasp these fundamentals before diving in deeper.
@quant_feed
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
If you hedge your positions with delta (Δ), you can profit in both rising and falling markets. So why isn't everyone long gamma all the time? It’s crucial to understand the complexities and risks involved. Options trading isn’t as straightforward as it seems. For newcomers, I recommend starting with a solid resource that breaks down these concepts. Volatility sellers, like myself, are aware that we have to strategize to stay profitable. The evolution of zero-days-to-expiration (0dte) options in the crypto space indicates significant shifts in trading dynamics. It’s essential to grasp these fundamentals before diving in deeper.
@quant_feed
Analyzing Core Risk Models: Current Sell Signals and Future Opportunities
MacroCharts @ twitter
orig
Core Risk Models are firmly in Sell territory, indicating there's substantial downside potential ahead. Expect increased volatility as we progress into late Q3. It's critical to monitor the behavior of these Core Models closely for signs of a transition to Buy signals. Patience is key here; once the current turbulence passes, a major opportunity for gains could emerge.
@quant_feed
MacroCharts @ twitter
orig
Core Risk Models are firmly in Sell territory, indicating there's substantial downside potential ahead. Expect increased volatility as we progress into late Q3. It's critical to monitor the behavior of these Core Models closely for signs of a transition to Buy signals. Patience is key here; once the current turbulence passes, a major opportunity for gains could emerge.
@quant_feed
Avoiding Sample Covariance Pitfalls by Utilizing Low-Dimensional Factor Spaces for Improved Stability in Asset-Level Covariance Matrices
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
Using the sample covariance matrix can lead to instability due to the influence of small eigenvalues, which can distort the inverse. Instead, projecting into a low-dimensional factor space allows for the construction of a more stable asset-level covariance matrix. This approach enhances the robustness of the analysis, mitigating the issues associated with high dimensionality. It's essential to focus on sound methodologies to avoid pitfalls in quantitative finance.
@quant_feed
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
Using the sample covariance matrix can lead to instability due to the influence of small eigenvalues, which can distort the inverse. Instead, projecting into a low-dimensional factor space allows for the construction of a more stable asset-level covariance matrix. This approach enhances the robustness of the analysis, mitigating the issues associated with high dimensionality. It's essential to focus on sound methodologies to avoid pitfalls in quantitative finance.
@quant_feed
Understanding the Distinction Between Treasury Futures and Bond Price Returns
choffstein @ twitter
orig
Treasury futures, despite not paying coupons, actually capture the total return of bonds, as evidenced by the alignment of Ultra 10-year US Treasury Note Futures and the S&P U.S. Treasury Bond Index. This indicates they deliver excess returns over T-Bills. The pricing of a Treasury note in future transactions hinges on the cost of hedging rather than subjective valuations. When entering a trade, you borrow to buy the note, collect coupons, and then sell it later. The profit or loss is determined by the relationship between the sale price, loan repayments, and the collected coupons.
Thus, futures reflect an embedded financing rate, which can be reduced in a competitive market, often aligning with T-Bill rates. Additionally, higher coupon yields lower the futures price as they roll up the curve towards spot prices, capturing returns through appreciation in value—effectively allowing traders to leverage positions without the operational overhead. Lastly, it’s critical to note that futures incorporate a forecast of dividends, with Treasury coupons typically being more reliable than other dividend forecasts.
@quant_feed
choffstein @ twitter
orig
Treasury futures, despite not paying coupons, actually capture the total return of bonds, as evidenced by the alignment of Ultra 10-year US Treasury Note Futures and the S&P U.S. Treasury Bond Index. This indicates they deliver excess returns over T-Bills. The pricing of a Treasury note in future transactions hinges on the cost of hedging rather than subjective valuations. When entering a trade, you borrow to buy the note, collect coupons, and then sell it later. The profit or loss is determined by the relationship between the sale price, loan repayments, and the collected coupons.
Thus, futures reflect an embedded financing rate, which can be reduced in a competitive market, often aligning with T-Bill rates. Additionally, higher coupon yields lower the futures price as they roll up the curve towards spot prices, capturing returns through appreciation in value—effectively allowing traders to leverage positions without the operational overhead. Lastly, it’s critical to note that futures incorporate a forecast of dividends, with Treasury coupons typically being more reliable than other dividend forecasts.
@quant_feed
Understanding the Mechanics of Short Volatility: A Comparison with Long Equities
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
Short volatility isn't a magical strategy; it essentially mirrors long equities but with a higher mean and worse tail risks. The data shows that shorting VIX yields an expected gain—around $60—on days when long SPX nets zero, highlighting the correlation between these strategies. Many traders overestimate the cleverness of their short volatility approaches, as they largely replicate risks associated with long SPX.
There are no executable trades shared here—Twitter's not the right medium for that. The P&L for SPX here considers ES futures, implying a direct link. While you can achieve a higher mean and lower beta with these strategies, tail performance suffers significantly, especially with shorter expiries and selling strangles over straddles. The choice between local regression and tree methods depends on the context: local regression shines with single variables and strong relations, while tree methods excel in complex multi-variable scenarios. Lastly, those opting for long gamma/long theta positions might be paying a hefty price elsewhere, likely in Volga exposure when shorting wings.
@quant_feed
macrocephalopod @ twitter
orig
Short volatility isn't a magical strategy; it essentially mirrors long equities but with a higher mean and worse tail risks. The data shows that shorting VIX yields an expected gain—around $60—on days when long SPX nets zero, highlighting the correlation between these strategies. Many traders overestimate the cleverness of their short volatility approaches, as they largely replicate risks associated with long SPX.
There are no executable trades shared here—Twitter's not the right medium for that. The P&L for SPX here considers ES futures, implying a direct link. While you can achieve a higher mean and lower beta with these strategies, tail performance suffers significantly, especially with shorter expiries and selling strangles over straddles. The choice between local regression and tree methods depends on the context: local regression shines with single variables and strong relations, while tree methods excel in complex multi-variable scenarios. Lastly, those opting for long gamma/long theta positions might be paying a hefty price elsewhere, likely in Volga exposure when shorting wings.
@quant_feed
Exploring Deep Learning Models and Their Economic Applications: Insights from Melissa Dell's Research
quantseeker @ twitter
orig
Melissa Dell’s latest paper dives into the intersection of deep learning models and their applications in economics. She systematically reviews various architectures, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in predictive power across different economic datasets. Key insights include the comparative advantages of neural networks over traditional econometric models, particularly in large, high-dimensional datasets. The role of interpretability remains crucial, with suggestions for bridging the gap between complex models and actionable economic insights. For practical implementation, she provides code and examples on GitHub, emphasizing reproducibility of results. This synthesis encourages further exploration of machine learning techniques tailored to economic analysis.
@quant_feed
quantseeker @ twitter
orig
Melissa Dell’s latest paper dives into the intersection of deep learning models and their applications in economics. She systematically reviews various architectures, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in predictive power across different economic datasets. Key insights include the comparative advantages of neural networks over traditional econometric models, particularly in large, high-dimensional datasets. The role of interpretability remains crucial, with suggestions for bridging the gap between complex models and actionable economic insights. For practical implementation, she provides code and examples on GitHub, emphasizing reproducibility of results. This synthesis encourages further exploration of machine learning techniques tailored to economic analysis.
@quant_feed
Decoding the RESP: Crafting the Optimal Funding Strategy for Education Savings
benjaminwfelix @ twitter
orig
The RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) is a complex optimization problem for funding children's education, balancing contribution limits, grants, and future tax implications. Key elements include a lifetime contribution cap of $50,000, potential matching grants of up to $7,200, tax-deferred growth, and the ability to shift tax liabilities to the beneficiary.
Front-loading contributions can result in missed grants, as only up to $500 of contributions are eligible for grants annually. It's important to consider strategies for maximizing overall investment, keeping in mind the interplay between contributions, available grants, and future tax treatments.
Two strategies emerged in a model scenario where $50,000 is available at the child's birth:
1. A full $50,000 contribution upfront, sacrificing future grants.
2. An initial $16,500 contribution followed by strategic annual contributions to leverage remaining grant opportunities.
With a 7% expected return and specific tax rates considered, the upfront contribution initially appeared to maximize after-tax wealth. However, when introducing a distribution of returns via Monte Carlo simulations, the grant-maximizing strategy demonstrated lower volatility and a higher median wealth outcome.
Ultimately, while using RESPs is advisable, determining the optimal approach requires careful analysis of risk and potential returns.
@quant_feed
benjaminwfelix @ twitter
orig
The RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) is a complex optimization problem for funding children's education, balancing contribution limits, grants, and future tax implications. Key elements include a lifetime contribution cap of $50,000, potential matching grants of up to $7,200, tax-deferred growth, and the ability to shift tax liabilities to the beneficiary.
Front-loading contributions can result in missed grants, as only up to $500 of contributions are eligible for grants annually. It's important to consider strategies for maximizing overall investment, keeping in mind the interplay between contributions, available grants, and future tax treatments.
Two strategies emerged in a model scenario where $50,000 is available at the child's birth:
1. A full $50,000 contribution upfront, sacrificing future grants.
2. An initial $16,500 contribution followed by strategic annual contributions to leverage remaining grant opportunities.
With a 7% expected return and specific tax rates considered, the upfront contribution initially appeared to maximize after-tax wealth. However, when introducing a distribution of returns via Monte Carlo simulations, the grant-maximizing strategy demonstrated lower volatility and a higher median wealth outcome.
Ultimately, while using RESPs is advisable, determining the optimal approach requires careful analysis of risk and potential returns.
@quant_feed
Exploring Copula Trading: Insights from Stander et al.'s 2013 Research Paper
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
Copula trading is a robust statistical approach for pinpointing trading opportunities through the dependence structure of asset returns. A general algorithm involves selecting pairs of assets based on Kendall's rank correlation, followed by fitting marginal distributions using various options like normal or Student's t, guided by criteria such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), as well as Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests for goodness-of-fit.
Once marginal distributions are established, fitting a copula to the transformed returns enables the calculation of conditional probabilities. A low calculated probability indicates that an asset is underpriced, while a high probability suggests it is overpriced. Although effective, copula trading demands considerable time and resources.
For implementation, specific conditions for establishing long or short positions are determined, with transformed returns denoted as U and V and a confidence level represented as c. Key resources include 'Trading strategies with copulas' by Stander et al. (2013).
@quant_feed
BlackSwan_ptf @ twitter
orig
Copula trading is a robust statistical approach for pinpointing trading opportunities through the dependence structure of asset returns. A general algorithm involves selecting pairs of assets based on Kendall's rank correlation, followed by fitting marginal distributions using various options like normal or Student's t, guided by criteria such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), as well as Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests for goodness-of-fit.
Once marginal distributions are established, fitting a copula to the transformed returns enables the calculation of conditional probabilities. A low calculated probability indicates that an asset is underpriced, while a high probability suggests it is overpriced. Although effective, copula trading demands considerable time and resources.
For implementation, specific conditions for establishing long or short positions are determined, with transformed returns denoted as U and V and a confidence level represented as c. Key resources include 'Trading strategies with copulas' by Stander et al. (2013).
@quant_feed
Enhancing Order Management Systems: A Redesign of the Differential Function for Optimized Order Placement
BeatzXBT @ twitter
orig
I'm reworking the order management system (OMS) to enhance order placement efficiency. The new approach involves splitting orders into two distinct batches: batch A (bba) and outer orders, allowing differentiation in prioritization. This method will manage rate limits more effectively by balancing amendments and replacements.
Key insights include:
- Prioritizing orders differently to improve execution speed.
- Taking action when the target delta diverges too far from the current delta.
- Streamlining processes to resolve existing rate limit constraints while increasing complexity.
I welcome feedback on these strategies, especially regarding the logic behind the delta discrepancy approach. The aim is to refine execution without jeopardizing overall system integrity.
@quant_feed
BeatzXBT @ twitter
orig
I'm reworking the order management system (OMS) to enhance order placement efficiency. The new approach involves splitting orders into two distinct batches: batch A (bba) and outer orders, allowing differentiation in prioritization. This method will manage rate limits more effectively by balancing amendments and replacements.
Key insights include:
- Prioritizing orders differently to improve execution speed.
- Taking action when the target delta diverges too far from the current delta.
- Streamlining processes to resolve existing rate limit constraints while increasing complexity.
I welcome feedback on these strategies, especially regarding the logic behind the delta discrepancy approach. The aim is to refine execution without jeopardizing overall system integrity.
@quant_feed
The Importance of First Principles in Financial Modeling
__paleologo @ twitter
orig
Models in finance and economics should be rooted in first principles and reasonable approximations, rather than the misunderstandings that often arise in discussions around their application. Financial firms thrive on the expertise of applied mathematicians and engineers, highlighting a disconnect between economic theory and practical modeling. Additionally, there's a critique of economists' modeling proficiency, with a suggestion that economics graduates may not be improving in their ability to apply price theory effectively. This indicates a need for a reevaluation of how economic principles are taught and understood in the context of practical applications.
@quant_feed
__paleologo @ twitter
orig
Models in finance and economics should be rooted in first principles and reasonable approximations, rather than the misunderstandings that often arise in discussions around their application. Financial firms thrive on the expertise of applied mathematicians and engineers, highlighting a disconnect between economic theory and practical modeling. Additionally, there's a critique of economists' modeling proficiency, with a suggestion that economics graduates may not be improving in their ability to apply price theory effectively. This indicates a need for a reevaluation of how economic principles are taught and understood in the context of practical applications.
@quant_feed
Key Insights from Five Years of Trading Experience in Half a Minute
GoshawkTrades @ twitter
orig
1. Prioritize parameter selection over optimization techniques for better strategy improvement. Focus on practical parameter changes rather than get lost in various optimization methods.
2. Fast feedback is crucial; greater sample sizes lead to higher statistical significance. Choose strategies with ample trade counts to boost feedback loops and your growth trajectory.
3. Beware of fees that can erode profits rapidly. Always backtest in a realistic environment to factor in fees, including locate fees.
4. Leverage better data for improved results. Manual tracking falls short; employ code to access comprehensive datasets and explore alternative data for reliable backtests.
5. Understand that volatility presents both opportunity and risk. Effective risk management allows you to profit from volatile markets, often with smaller positions, maximizing potential returns.
@quant_feed
GoshawkTrades @ twitter
orig
1. Prioritize parameter selection over optimization techniques for better strategy improvement. Focus on practical parameter changes rather than get lost in various optimization methods.
2. Fast feedback is crucial; greater sample sizes lead to higher statistical significance. Choose strategies with ample trade counts to boost feedback loops and your growth trajectory.
3. Beware of fees that can erode profits rapidly. Always backtest in a realistic environment to factor in fees, including locate fees.
4. Leverage better data for improved results. Manual tracking falls short; employ code to access comprehensive datasets and explore alternative data for reliable backtests.
5. Understand that volatility presents both opportunity and risk. Effective risk management allows you to profit from volatile markets, often with smaller positions, maximizing potential returns.
@quant_feed
Analyzing the Path from Rate Hikes to Recession: A Look at Inverted Yield Curves and Economic Slowdowns
MacroAlf @ twitter
orig
The Central Bank has aggressively raised rates, leading to an inverted yield curve indicating overly tight conditions. Historically, this inversion persists for 12-27 months, and we’re currently at month 24 post-inversion with the economy already slowing. Now, we’re seeing a rapid bull steepening of the yield curve, hinting at late-cycle dynamics before the inevitable recession. This pattern highlights the complex interplay between monetary policy and economic cycles.
@quant_feed
MacroAlf @ twitter
orig
The Central Bank has aggressively raised rates, leading to an inverted yield curve indicating overly tight conditions. Historically, this inversion persists for 12-27 months, and we’re currently at month 24 post-inversion with the economy already slowing. Now, we’re seeing a rapid bull steepening of the yield curve, hinting at late-cycle dynamics before the inevitable recession. This pattern highlights the complex interplay between monetary policy and economic cycles.
@quant_feed
Understanding Daily Variance in Performance: Lessons from Professional Poker to Quant Finance
gametheorizing @ twitter
orig
I observed significant daily variance in my poker performance due to factors like sleep, mood, and diet. The difference between my A-game and C-game could cost me dearly in buy-ins. Poker’s luck component made it difficult to gauge my mental sharpness until it was too late into a session, especially against skilled opponents who would exploit any errors.
To address this, I incorporated a daily routine of playing 5-6 blitz chess games each morning as a self-assessment tool. If I could compete well against high-rated players, I felt confident heading into high-stakes games. If I struggled, I would opt for more relaxed tournaments or take a day off. I also see value in simpler online games for assessing mental clarity through quick arithmetic calculations.
@quant_feed
gametheorizing @ twitter
orig
I observed significant daily variance in my poker performance due to factors like sleep, mood, and diet. The difference between my A-game and C-game could cost me dearly in buy-ins. Poker’s luck component made it difficult to gauge my mental sharpness until it was too late into a session, especially against skilled opponents who would exploit any errors.
To address this, I incorporated a daily routine of playing 5-6 blitz chess games each morning as a self-assessment tool. If I could compete well against high-rated players, I felt confident heading into high-stakes games. If I struggled, I would opt for more relaxed tournaments or take a day off. I also see value in simpler online games for assessing mental clarity through quick arithmetic calculations.
@quant_feed
Reflecting on Two Months of High Volatility: A Journey of 1699.9% Returns and a Sharpe Ratio of 4.246
BeatzXBT @ twitter
orig
The past two months have been a rollercoaster; December was particularly challenging, but I've recovered with impressive results—1699.9% returns and a Sharpe ratio of 4.246, alongside a trading volume of $9.67M. My primary successes came from BONK and MOVR, where I strategically oversized my positions due to their favorable conditions for stink bidding, benefiting from thin books and high retail flow.
However, the journey wasn't without significant drawdowns. There were three major setbacks:
1) An uncaught exception led to stale bids being filled, almost causing liquidation.
2) I quoted a faulty symbol, resulting in a quick -20% drop twice and liquidating a small sub-account.
3) The Bybit API failure, which caused massive drawdowns across multiple sub-accounts—this one stung the most as it was beyond my control.
These experiences highlighted the importance of risk management; I'm shifting my focus to retaining capital and reducing leverage, aiming for a conservative grind to low five figures while removing profits to cover development costs. It’s essential to avoid greed, especially since my strategy involves tail risk.
I'll be making my project open source once we finish the cleanup, which should lead to smoother operations. Thanks to everyone who reached out with feedback—it's been invaluable! Lastly, my trading strategy involves high turnover (over 75x) and a concentrated asset approach with a maximum of three assets. A backtester is on my to-do list, but studies are the current priority.
@quant_feed
BeatzXBT @ twitter
orig
The past two months have been a rollercoaster; December was particularly challenging, but I've recovered with impressive results—1699.9% returns and a Sharpe ratio of 4.246, alongside a trading volume of $9.67M. My primary successes came from BONK and MOVR, where I strategically oversized my positions due to their favorable conditions for stink bidding, benefiting from thin books and high retail flow.
However, the journey wasn't without significant drawdowns. There were three major setbacks:
1) An uncaught exception led to stale bids being filled, almost causing liquidation.
2) I quoted a faulty symbol, resulting in a quick -20% drop twice and liquidating a small sub-account.
3) The Bybit API failure, which caused massive drawdowns across multiple sub-accounts—this one stung the most as it was beyond my control.
These experiences highlighted the importance of risk management; I'm shifting my focus to retaining capital and reducing leverage, aiming for a conservative grind to low five figures while removing profits to cover development costs. It’s essential to avoid greed, especially since my strategy involves tail risk.
I'll be making my project open source once we finish the cleanup, which should lead to smoother operations. Thanks to everyone who reached out with feedback—it's been invaluable! Lastly, my trading strategy involves high turnover (over 75x) and a concentrated asset approach with a maximum of three assets. A backtester is on my to-do list, but studies are the current priority.
@quant_feed
Exploring the Dual Nature of Mean-Reversion in Futures Spreads
oxbquant @ twitter
orig
Mean reversion in futures spreads is quite an intriguing concept; I'm exploring whether the mean reversion time itself can be mean-reverting. I'm experimenting with a simple EMA combined with +1/-1 standard deviations to identify optimal trading points. The goal is to determine when spreads are "cheap" or "expensive," particularly if I'm looking to hedge delta within a 5-day window.
Interestingly, I've found that the mean reversion time is actually the duration required for the spread to revert from upper or lower bounds to 0.5 standard deviations of the EMA. When testing this with a basic RV score, results differ significantly. This disparity seems to stem from the RV score's ability to make larger jumps between points, leading to less fine granularity, which complicates the overall modeling.
On a more mathematical note, I'm considering modeling these reversions using gamma or exponential distributions. Then, at each new reversion event, I could initialize a Bayesian model using the prior of the gamma distribution and continuously update it with new data to refine trading decisions. Curious for thoughts on this approach!
@quant_feed
oxbquant @ twitter
orig
Mean reversion in futures spreads is quite an intriguing concept; I'm exploring whether the mean reversion time itself can be mean-reverting. I'm experimenting with a simple EMA combined with +1/-1 standard deviations to identify optimal trading points. The goal is to determine when spreads are "cheap" or "expensive," particularly if I'm looking to hedge delta within a 5-day window.
Interestingly, I've found that the mean reversion time is actually the duration required for the spread to revert from upper or lower bounds to 0.5 standard deviations of the EMA. When testing this with a basic RV score, results differ significantly. This disparity seems to stem from the RV score's ability to make larger jumps between points, leading to less fine granularity, which complicates the overall modeling.
On a more mathematical note, I'm considering modeling these reversions using gamma or exponential distributions. Then, at each new reversion event, I could initialize a Bayesian model using the prior of the gamma distribution and continuously update it with new data to refine trading decisions. Curious for thoughts on this approach!
@quant_feed
Challenging Overconfidence in FinTwit: Empowering Individuals to Conduct Independent Analysis
therobotjames @ twitter
orig
Never accept blanket statements or overconfident claims without challenging them. It's crucial to develop your analytical skills—simple analyses are accessible to everyone, and they provide clarity in a sea of noise. Anyone can learn to scrutinize data critically. Don't let the bravado of others drown out your own insights.
@quant_feed
therobotjames @ twitter
orig
Never accept blanket statements or overconfident claims without challenging them. It's crucial to develop your analytical skills—simple analyses are accessible to everyone, and they provide clarity in a sea of noise. Anyone can learn to scrutinize data critically. Don't let the bravado of others drown out your own insights.
@quant_feed