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On the problem of calibrating an agent based model for financial markets

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  • Annalisa Fabretti

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Abstract

Agent based models are very widely used in different disciplines. In financial markets, they can be used to explain well known features called stylised facts and fit statistical properties of data. For this reason, they can model price movements better than standard models using gaussianity. Calibration and validation are essential issues in agent-based modeling. However, calibrating such models is not yet sufficiently considered in the literature. In this paper, a Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm coupled with threshold accepting algorithm (Gilli and Winker in Comput Stat Data Anal 42:299–312, 2003 ) and a genetic algorithm have been implemented to calibrate the model presented by Farmer and Joshi (J Econ Behav Org 49:149–171, 2002 ) and the outcomes have been compared and discussed. The data used are closing prices of S&P500 Composite index and a particular attention has been devoted to the choice of the objective function. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Annalisa Fabretti, 2013. "On the problem of calibrating an agent based model for financial markets," Journal of Economic Interaction and Coordination, Springer;Society for Economic Science with Heterogeneous Interacting Agents, vol. 8(2), pages 277-293, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jeicoo:v:8:y:2013:i:2:p:277-293
    DOI: 10.1007/s11403-012-0096-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Giorgio Fagiolo & Andrea Roventini, 2017. "Macroeconomic Policy in DSGE and Agent-Based Models Redux: New Developments and Challenges Ahead," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 20(1), pages 1-1.
    2. Francesco Lamperti & Andrea Roventini & Amir Sani, 2017. "Agent-Based Model Calibration using Machine Learning Surrogates," Sciences Po publications 2017-09, Sciences Po.
    3. Grazzini, Jakob & Richiardi, Matteo G. & Tsionas, Mike, 2017. "Bayesian estimation of agent-based models," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 26-47.
    4. Francesco Lamperti, 2016. "Empirical Validation of Simulated Models through the GSL-div: an Illustrative Application," LEM Papers Series 2016/18, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    5. Alexandru Mandes & Peter Winker, 2017. "Complexity and model comparison in agent based modeling of financial markets," Journal of Economic Interaction and Coordination, Springer;Society for Economic Science with Heterogeneous Interacting Agents, vol. 12(3), pages 469-506, October.
    6. Grazzini, Jakob & Richiardi, Matteo, 2015. "Estimation of ergodic agent-based models by simulated minimum distance," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 148-165.
    7. Giorgio Fagiolo & Mattia Guerini & Francesco Lamperti & Alessio Moneta & Andrea Roventini, 2017. "Validation of Agent-Based Models in Economics and Finance," LEM Papers Series 2017/23, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    8. Donovan Platt & Tim Gebbie, 2016. "The Problem of Calibrating an Agent-Based Model of High-Frequency Trading," Papers 1606.01495, arXiv.org, revised Mar 2017.
    9. repec:eee:ecosta:v:5:y:2018:i:c:p:83-106 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Jakob Grazzini & Matteo G. Richiardi, 2013. "Consistent Estimation of Agent-Based Models by Simulated Minimum Distance," LABORatorio R. Revelli Working Papers Series 130, LABORatorio R. Revelli, Centre for Employment Studies.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agent based model; Artificial markets; Calibration; Genetic algorithm; C13; C52; G10;

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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