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An Algorithm for Testing the Efficient Market Hypothesis

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  • Ioana-Andreea Boboc
  • Mihai-Cristian Dinică

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the efficiency of EUR/USD market through the application of a trading system. The system uses a genetic algorithm based on technical analysis indicators such as Exponential Moving Average (EMA), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Filter that gives buying and selling recommendations to investors. The algorithm optimizes the strategies by dynamically searching for parameters that improve profitability in the training period. The best sets of rules are then applied on the testing period. The results show inconsistency in finding a set of trading rules that performs well in both periods. Strategies that achieve very good returns in the training period show difficulty in returning positive results in the testing period, this being consistent with the efficient market hypothesis (EMH).

Suggested Citation

  • Ioana-Andreea Boboc & Mihai-Cristian Dinică, 2013. "An Algorithm for Testing the Efficient Market Hypothesis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(10), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0078177
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078177
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    2. Yan Li & Bo Zheng & Ting-Ting Chen & Xiong-Fei Jiang, 2017. "Fluctuation-driven price dynamics and investment strategies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Sánchez-Granero, M.A. & Balladares, K.A. & Ramos-Requena, J.P. & Trinidad-Segovia, J.E., 2020. "Testing the efficient market hypothesis in Latin American stock markets," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 540(C).

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