Optimal trend-following with transaction costs

Valeriy Zakamulin and Javier Giner

International Review of Financial Analysis, 2023, vol. 90, issue C

Abstract: Despite the widespread popularity of trend-following investing, optimal trend-following in the presence of transaction costs remains poorly understood. Existing studies on the subject are limited and rely on intricate theoretical models, posing great challenges in practical applications. In this paper, we propose a new, more pragmatic model that balances theoretical simplicity and practical relevance. Under plausible assumptions regarding the trend dynamics, we establish a noteworthy resemblance between the optimal trend-following strategy and the well-known simple moving average crossover rule. Consequently, our model provides a compelling rationale for the practical adoption of crossover rules. We also perform historical simulations that demonstrate the effectiveness of our model, supporting our theoretical findings. In short, our paper provides a practical and effective solution to the problem of optimal trend-following with transaction costs.

Keywords: Stock market; Trend-following; Transaction costs; Simple moving average; Moving average crossover (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G11 G17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:finana:v:90:y:2023:i:c:s1057521923004441

DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2023.102928

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