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Deep parametric portfolio policies

Author

Listed:
  • Simon, Frederik
  • Weibels, Sebastian
  • Zimmermann, Tom

Abstract

We directly optimize portfolio weights as a function of firm characteristics via deep neural networks by generalizing the parametric portfolio policy framework. Our results show that network-based portfolio policies result in an increase of investor utility of between 30 and 100 percent over a comparable linear portfolio policy, depending on whether portfolio restrictions on individual stock weights, short-selling or transaction costs are imposed, and depending on an investor's utility function. We provide extensive model interpretation and show that network-based policies better capture the non-linear relationship between investor utility and firm characteristics. Improvements can be traced to both variable interactions and non-linearity in functional form. Both the linear and the network-based approach agree on the same dominant predictors, namely past return-based firm characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon, Frederik & Weibels, Sebastian & Zimmermann, Tom, 2023. "Deep parametric portfolio policies," CFR Working Papers 23-01, University of Cologne, Centre for Financial Research (CFR).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cfrwps:2301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Portfolio Choice; Machine Learning; Expected Utility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • C58 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Financial Econometrics
    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics

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