IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/jecfin/v49y2025i3d10.1007_s12197-025-09720-2.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Baltic dry index forecasting using a neuro-fuzzy inference system

Author

Listed:
  • Ioanna Atsalaki

    (Technical University of Crete)

  • George S. Atsalakis

    (Technical University of Crete)

  • Konstantinos D. Melas

    (University of Western Macedonia
    Metropolitan College
    University of Macedonia)

  • Nektarios A. Michail

    (Central Bank of Cyprus)

Abstract

We employ a Fuzzy Inference System, with a specific focus on utilizing a hybrid intelligent system known as ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) to forecast the Baltic Dry Index. This system integrates the adaptive learning features of neural networks with the logical reasoning of fuzzy logic, thereby offering superior forecasting accuracy compared to single-method approaches. Our findings demonstrate the superior performance of the ANFIS model in comparison to a feed-forward neural network and two traditional models, namely AR (Autoregressive) and ARMA (Autoregressive Moving Average), in terms of Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE).

Suggested Citation

  • Ioanna Atsalaki & George S. Atsalakis & Konstantinos D. Melas & Nektarios A. Michail, 2025. "Baltic dry index forecasting using a neuro-fuzzy inference system," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 49(3), pages 682-709, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecfin:v:49:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12197-025-09720-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12197-025-09720-2
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12197-025-09720-2
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12197-025-09720-2?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zaili Yang & Esin Erol Mehmed, 2019. "Artificial neural networks in freight rate forecasting," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 21(3), pages 390-414, September.
    2. Robin Greenwood & Samuel G. Hanson, 2015. "Waves in Ship Prices and Investment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 130(1), pages 55-109.
    3. Alexandros M. Goulielmos & Maria-Elpiniki Psifia, 2009. "Forecasting weekly freight rates for one-year time charter 65 000 dwt bulk carrier, 1989--2008, using nonlinear methods," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(5), pages 411-436, October.
    4. Sahin, Bahri & Yilmaz, Huseyin & Ust, Yasin & Guneri, Ali Fuat & Gulsun, BahadIr, 2009. "An approach for analysing transportation costs and a case study," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 193(1), pages 1-11, February.
    5. Moutzouris, Ioannis C. & Nomikos, Nikos K., 2020. "Asset pricing with mean reversion: The case of ships," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    6. Andreas Park & Hamid Sabourian, 2011. "Herding and Contrarian Behavior in Financial Markets," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 79(4), pages 973-1026, July.
    7. Al-Khayyal, Faiz & Hwang, Seung-June, 2007. "Inventory constrained maritime routing and scheduling for multi-commodity liquid bulk, Part I: Applications and model," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 176(1), pages 106-130, January.
    8. Konstantinos D. Melas & Photis M. Panayides & Dimitris A. Tsouknidis, 2022. "Dynamic volatility spillovers and investor sentiment components across freight-shipping markets," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 24(2), pages 368-394, June.
    9. Yu, Hui-Kuang, 2005. "Weighted fuzzy time series models for TAIEX forecasting," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 349(3), pages 609-624.
    10. Christos Katris & Manolis G. Kavussanos, 2021. "Time series forecasting methods for the Baltic dry index," Journal of Forecasting, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 40(8), pages 1540-1565, December.
    11. Lutz Kilian, 2009. "Not All Oil Price Shocks Are Alike: Disentangling Demand and Supply Shocks in the Crude Oil Market," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(3), pages 1053-1069, June.
    12. Batchelor, Roy & Alizadeh, Amir & Visvikis, Ilias, 2007. "Forecasting spot and forward prices in the international freight market," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 101-114.
    13. Lutz Kilian & Cheolbeom Park, 2009. "The Impact Of Oil Price Shocks On The U.S. Stock Market," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 50(4), pages 1267-1287, November.
    14. Nicholas Apergis & James E. Payne, 2013. "New Evidence on the Information and Predictive Content of the Baltic Dry Index," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-19, July.
    15. Joseph Ooi & James Webb & Dingding Zhou, 2007. "Extrapolation Theory and the Pricing of REIT Stocks," Journal of Real Estate Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(1), pages 27-56, January.
    16. Nektarios A. Michail & Konstantinos D. Melas & Kyriaki G. Louca, 2023. "Determinants of Ship Management Revenues: The Case of Cyprus," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-12, July.
    17. James D. Hamilton, 2019. "Measuring Global Economic Activity," NBER Working Papers 25778, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    18. Kilian, Lutz & Zhou, Xiaoqing, 2018. "Modeling fluctuations in the global demand for commodities," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 54-78.
    19. Tsouknidis, Dimitris A., 2016. "Dynamic volatility spillovers across shipping freight markets," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 90-111.
    20. Coşar, A. Kerem & Demir, Banu, 2018. "Shipping inside the box: Containerization and trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 331-345.
    21. Jiao Zhang & Qingcheng Zeng & Xiaofeng Zhao, 2014. "Forecasting spot freight rates based on forward freight agreement and time charter contract," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(29), pages 3639-3648, October.
    22. Roberta Scarsi, 2007. "The bulk shipping business: market cycles and shipowners’ biases," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(6), pages 577-590, December.
    23. Kim, Jikyung (Jeanne) & Dong, Hang & Choi, Jeonghye & Chang, Sue Ryung, 2022. "Sentiment change and negative herding: Evidence from microblogging and news," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 364-376.
    24. Nikos C. Papapostolou & Nikos K. Nomikos & Panos K. Pouliasis & Ioannis Kyriakou, 2014. "Investor Sentiment for Real Assets: The Case of Dry Bulk Shipping Market," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 18(4), pages 1507-1539.
    25. Funashima, Yoshito, 2020. "Global economic activity indexes revisited," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    26. Russ Wermers, 1999. "Mutual Fund Herding and the Impact on Stock Prices," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 54(2), pages 581-622, April.
    27. Panayiotis Theodossiou & Dimitris Tsouknidis & Christos Savva, 2020. "Freight rates in downside and upside markets: pricing of own and spillover risks from other shipping segments," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 183(3), pages 1097-1119, June.
    28. Ziaul Haque Munim & Hans-Joachim Schramm, 2021. "Forecasting container freight rates for major trade routes: a comparison of artificial neural networks and conventional models," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 23(2), pages 310-327, June.
    29. Theodore Syriopoulos & George Bakos, 2019. "Investor herding behaviour in globally listed shipping stocks," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(5), pages 545-564, July.
    30. Ruobin Gao & Jiahui Liu & Liang Du & Kum Fai Yuen, 2022. "Shipping market forecasting by forecast combination mechanism," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(8), pages 1059-1074, November.
    31. Joseph T.L. Ooi & James R. Webb & Dingding Zhou, 2007. "Extrapolation Theory and the Pricing of REIT Stocks," Journal of Real Estate Research, American Real Estate Society, vol. 29(1), pages 27-56.
    32. Michael S. Haigh, 2000. "Cointegration, unbiased expectations, and forecasting in the BIFFEX freight futures market," Journal of Futures Markets, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(6), pages 545-571, July.
    33. John Wei-Shan Hu & Yi-Chung Hu & Ricky Ray-Wen Lin, 2012. "Applying Neural Networks to Prices Prediction of Crude Oil Futures," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2012, pages 1-12, August.
    34. Konstantinos D. Melas & Nektarios A. Michail, 2022. "Buy together, but recycle alone: sentiment-driven herding behavior in oceanic dry bulk shipping," Review of Behavioral Finance, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 15(4), pages 534-549, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Tamás Szabó & Sándor Gáspár & Szilárd Hegedűs, 2025. "Development of Financial Indicator Set for Automotive Stock Performance Prediction Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-23, August.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Konstantinos D. Melas & Nektarios A. Michail, 2024. "Can commodity prices predict stock market returns? The case of dry bulk shipping companies," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Alexandridis, George & Kavussanos, Manolis G. & Kim, Chi Y. & Tsouknidis, Dimitris A. & Visvikis, Ilias D., 2018. "A survey of shipping finance research: Setting the future research agenda," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 164-212.
    3. Konstantinos D. Melas & Photis M. Panayides & Dimitris A. Tsouknidis, 2022. "Dynamic volatility spillovers and investor sentiment components across freight-shipping markets," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 24(2), pages 368-394, June.
    4. Nektarios A. Michail & Konstantinos D. Melas, 2021. "Sentiment-Augmented Supply and Demand Equations for the Dry Bulk Shipping Market," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-14, November.
    5. Panayiotis Theodossiou & Dimitris Tsouknidis & Christos Savva, 2020. "Freight rates in downside and upside markets: pricing of own and spillover risks from other shipping segments," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 183(3), pages 1097-1119, June.
    6. Papapostolou, Nikos C. & Pouliasis, Panos K. & Nomikos, Nikos K. & Kyriakou, Ioannis, 2016. "Shipping investor sentiment and international stock return predictability," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 81-94.
    7. David S. Jacks & Martin Stuermer, 2021. "Dry bulk shipping and the evolution of maritime transport costs, 1850–2020," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(2), pages 204-227, July.
    8. Gavriilidis, Konstantinos & Kambouroudis, Dimos S. & Tsakou, Katerina & Tsouknidis, Dimitris A., 2018. "Volatility forecasting across tanker freight rates: The role of oil price shocks," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 376-391.
    9. Zeina Alsalman, 2023. "Oil price shocks and US unemployment: evidence from disentangling the duration of unemployment spells in the labor market," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 65(1), pages 479-511, July.
    10. Gong, Yuting & Li, Kevin X. & Chen, Shu-Ling & Shi, Wenming, 2020. "Contagion risk between the shipping freight and stock markets: Evidence from the recent US-China trade war," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    11. Kilian, Lutz, 2022. "Facts and fiction in oil market modeling," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    12. Aktham I. Maghyereh & Osama D. Sweidan, 2020. "Do structural shocks in the crude oil market affect biofuel prices?," International Economics, CEPII research center, issue 164, pages 183-193.
    13. Sel, Burakhan & Minner, Stefan, 2022. "A hedging policy for seaborne forward freight markets based on probabilistic forecasts," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    14. Lutz Kilian & Xiaoqing Zhou, 2023. "The Econometrics of Oil Market VAR Models," Advances in Econometrics, in: Essays in Honor of Joon Y. Park: Econometric Methodology in Empirical Applications, volume 45, pages 65-95, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    15. Maghyereh, Aktham & Abdoh, Hussein, 2021. "The impact of extreme structural oil-price shocks on clean energy and oil stocks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    16. Yuting Gong & Xueqin Wang & Mo Zhu & Ying‐En Ge & Wenming Shi, 2023. "Maximum utility portfolio construction in the forward freight agreement markets: Evidence from a multivariate skewed t copula," Journal of Futures Markets, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(1), pages 69-89, January.
    17. Ioannis Karaoulanis & Theodore Pelagidis, 2021. "Panamax markets behaviour: explaining volatility and expectations," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-24, December.
    18. Alsalman, Zeina & Herrera, Ana María & Rangaraju, Sandeep Kumar, 2023. "Oil news shocks and the U.S. stock market," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    19. Nektarios A. Michail & Konstantinos D. Melas & Dimitris Batzilis, 2021. "Container shipping trade and real GDP growth: A panel vector autoregressive approach," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 41(2), pages 304-315.
    20. Papapostolou, Nikos C. & Pouliasis, Panos K. & Kyriakou, Ioannis, 2017. "Herd behavior in the drybulk market: an empirical analysis of the decision to invest in new and retire existing fleet capacity," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 36-51.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • L9 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities
    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:jecfin:v:49:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12197-025-09720-2. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.