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Forty Years, Thirty Currencies and 21,000 Trading Rules: A Large-scale, Data-Snooping Robust Analysis of Technical Trading in t

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  • Taylor, Mark
  • Hsu, Po-Hsuan

Abstract

We carry out a large-scale investigation of technical trading rules in the foreign exchange market, using daily data over a maximum of forty years for thirty developed and emerging market currencies. Employing a stepwise test to safeguard against data-snooping bias and examining over 21,000 technical trading rules, we find evidence of substantial predictability in both developed and emerging markets, measured against a variety of returns and risk-adjusted performance metrics. We present time-series and cross-sectional variation in sub-periods and cultural and/or geographic groups, respectively, suggesting that temporarily not-fully-rational behavior and market immaturity lead to technical predictability and potential profitability.

Suggested Citation

  • Taylor, Mark & Hsu, Po-Hsuan, 2014. "Forty Years, Thirty Currencies and 21,000 Trading Rules: A Large-scale, Data-Snooping Robust Analysis of Technical Trading in t," CEPR Discussion Papers 10018, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:10018
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data-snooping bias; Foreign exchange; Technical analysis; Trading rules;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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