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Deep Learning for Portfolio Optimization

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  • Zihao Zhang
  • Stefan Zohren
  • Stephen Roberts

Abstract

We adopt deep learning models to directly optimise the portfolio Sharpe ratio. The framework we present circumvents the requirements for forecasting expected returns and allows us to directly optimise portfolio weights by updating model parameters. Instead of selecting individual assets, we trade Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) of market indices to form a portfolio. Indices of different asset classes show robust correlations and trading them substantially reduces the spectrum of available assets to choose from. We compare our method with a wide range of algorithms with results showing that our model obtains the best performance over the testing period, from 2011 to the end of April 2020, including the financial instabilities of the first quarter of 2020. A sensitivity analysis is included to understand the relevance of input features and we further study the performance of our approach under different cost rates and different risk levels via volatility scaling.

Suggested Citation

  • Zihao Zhang & Stefan Zohren & Stephen Roberts, 2020. "Deep Learning for Portfolio Optimization," Papers 2005.13665, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2021.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2005.13665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mykola Babiak & Jozef Barunik, 2020. "Deep Learning, Predictability, and Optimal Portfolio Returns," CERGE-EI Working Papers wp677, The Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education - Economics Institute, Prague.
    2. Bruno Spilak & Wolfgang Karl Hardle, 2020. "Tail-risk protection: Machine Learning meets modern Econometrics," Papers 2010.03315, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2021.

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