Product Description
Master the lucrative discipline of quantitative trading with this insightful handbook from a master in the field
In the newly revised Second Edition of Quantitative Trading: How to Build Your Own Algorithmic Trading Business, quant trading expert Dr. Ernest P. Chan shows you how to apply both time-tested and novel quantitative trading strategies to develop or improve your own trading firm.
You'll discover new case studies and updated information on the application of cutting-edge machine learning investment techniques, as well as:
- Updated back tests on a variety of trading strategies, with included Python and R code examples
- A new technique on optimizing parameters with changing market regimes using machine learning.
- A guide to selecting the best traders and advisors to manage your money
Perfect for independent retail traders seeking to start their own quantitative trading business, or investors looking to invest in such traders, this new edition of Quantitative Trading will also earn a place in the libraries of individual investors interested in exploring a career at a major financial institution.
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley
- Publication date : July 27, 2021
- Edition : 2nd
- Language : English
- Print length : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1119800064
- ISBN-13 : 978-1119800064
- Item Weight : 7.4 ounces
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Dimensions : 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.1 inches
FAQ:
1. Do I need to be a math genius or a pro coder to understand this book?
Not necessarily, but you do need a foundation. Dr. Chan writes for the "independent trader," meaning he explains complex concepts in a way that is accessible. However, you should have a basic grasp of:
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Statistics: Concepts like mean reversion and standard deviation.
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Programming: The book primarily uses Python (updated from MATLAB in the 1st edition) to demonstrate backtesting and execution.
2. What are the major differences between the 1st and 2nd Editions?
The 2nd Edition is a significant overhaul. The most notable changes include:
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Python Integration: Moving away from MATLAB to Python, reflecting the current industry standard.
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Updated Strategy Examples: New insights into intraday trading and modern market regimes.
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Cloud Computing: Updated advice on using cloud servers (like AWS) for 24/7 automated trading.
3. Does the book provide "ready-to-use" profitable strategies?
The book provides frameworks rather than "get rich quick" code. While it includes specific examples of Mean Reversion and Momentum strategies, the goal is to teach you how to:
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Identify a statistical edge.
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Back test it rigorously to avoid "data snooping" bias.
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Manage the risk once the strategy goes live.
4. Is this book suitable for high-frequency trading (HFT)?
No. This book focuses on Institutional-style Quantitative Trading accessible to individuals. HFT requires massive capital expenditure on hardware and "colocation" (placing servers next to the exchange). Dr. Chan focuses on strategies with holding periods ranging from minutes to days, which can be run from a home office or a standard cloud server.
5. What is the "Business" aspect mentioned in the title?
Unlike many technical manuals, this book treats trading as a startup business. It covers the non-glamorous but essential "plumbing" of a trading firm:
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Choosing the right broker and data providers.
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The legal and tax implications of setting up a trading entity.
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Psychological management and why most "automated" traders still fail due to human interference.

