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Developing trading strategies based on fractal finance: An application of MF-DFA in the context of Islamic equities

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  • Dewandaru, Ginanjar
  • Masih, Rumi
  • Bacha, Obiyathulla Ismath
  • Masih, A. Mansur. M.

Abstract

We provide a new contribution to trading strategies by using multi-fractal de-trended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA), imported from econophysics, to complement various momentum strategies. The method provides a single measure that can capture both persistency and anti-persistency in stock prices, accounting for multifractality. This study uses a sample of Islamic stocks listed in the U.S. Dow Jones Islamic market for a sample period covering 16 years starting in 1996. The findings show that the MF-DFA strategy produces monthly excess returns of 6.12%, outperforming other various momentum strategies. Even though the risk of the MF-DFA strategy may be relatively higher, it can still produce a Sharpe ratio of 0.164, which is substantially higher than that of the other strategies. When we control for the MF-DFA factor with the other factors, its pure factor return is still able to yield a monthly excess return of 1.35%. Finally, we combine the momentum and MF-DFA strategies, with the proportions of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 and by doing so we demonstrate that the MF-DFA measure can boost the total monthly excess returns as well as Sharpe ratio. The value added is non-linear which implies that the additional returns are associated with lower incremental risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Dewandaru, Ginanjar & Masih, Rumi & Bacha, Obiyathulla Ismath & Masih, A. Mansur. M., 2015. "Developing trading strategies based on fractal finance: An application of MF-DFA in the context of Islamic equities," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 438(C), pages 223-235.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:438:y:2015:i:c:p:223-235
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2015.05.116
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