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Selection of a Portfolio of Pairs Based on Cointegration: A Statistical Arbitrage Strategy

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  • João Frois Caldeira

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul)

  • Gulherme Valle Moura

    (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina)

Abstract

Statistical arbitrage strategies, such as pairs trading and its generalizations, rely on the construction of mean- reverting spreads with a certain degree of predictability. This paper applies cointegration tests to identify stocks to be used in pairs trading strategies. In addition to estimating long-term equilibrium and to model the resulting residuals, we select stock pairs to compose a pairs trading portfolio based on an indicator of profitability evaluated in-sample. The profitability of the strategy is assessed with data from the São Paulo stock exchange ranging from January 2005 to October 2012. Empirical analysis shows that the proposed strategy exhibit excess returns of 16.38% per year, Sharpe Ratio of 1.34 and low correlation with the market.

Suggested Citation

  • João Frois Caldeira & Gulherme Valle Moura, 2013. "Selection of a Portfolio of Pairs Based on Cointegration: A Statistical Arbitrage Strategy," Brazilian Review of Finance, Brazilian Society of Finance, vol. 11(1), pages 49-80.
    • Handle: RePEc:brf:journl:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:49-80
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    statistical arbitrage; pairs trading; cointegration; market neutral strategy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

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