Inferring Trading Strategies from Measured Probability Density Functions
This paper by
StockSpotter.com co-founder John F. Ehlers was awarded runner-up to the
2008 MTA Charles H. Dow Award.
Ehlers demonstrates how detrended probability distributions can be used as
strategies for effective trading systems.
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Skinning the Cat
Another way to measure the spectrum of market cycles. Here, we show how to
measure the spectrum using a contiguous bank of bandpass filters. The spectrum
is displayed as a heatmap.
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Fourier Transform for Traders
The problem with Fourier Transform for the measurement of market cycles is that
they have a very poor resolution. This paper shows you how to use another
nonlinear transform to improve the resolution so that the Fourier Transforms are
usable. The measured spectrum is displayed as a heatmap
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Swiss Army Knife Indicator
Indicators are just transfer responses of input data. By a simple change of constants, this indicator can become an EMA, SMA, 2 Pole Gaussian Low Pass Filter, 2 Pole Butterworth Low Pass Filter, an FIR smoother, a Bandpass filter, or a Bandstop filter.
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Ehlers Filter
An unusual nonlinear FIR filter is described. This filter is among the most responsive to price changes but smoothest in sideways markets.
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System Performance Evaluation
Describes how to build an Excel Spreadsheet to better understand expected performance of a trading strategy. The Profit Factor (gross winnings
divided by gross losses) is analogous to the payout factor in gaming. Thus, when the Profit Factor is combined with the percentage winners in
a series of random events, instances of how a trading strategy equity growth can be simulated.
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FRAMA
FRAMA (FRactal Adaptive Moving Average). A nonlinear moving average is derived using the Hurst exponent.
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MAMA
MAMA is the mother of all adaptive moving averages. Actualy the name is an acronym for MESA Adaptive Moving Average. The nonlinear action of this filter
is produced by the flyback of phase every half cycle. When combined with FAMA, a Following Adaptive Moving Average, the crossovers form excellent entry
and exit signals that are relative free of whipsaws.
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Time Warp Without Space Travel
Laguerre Polynomials are used to generate a filter structure similar to a simple moving average with the difference that the time spacing between
filter taps is nolinear. The result enables the creation of very short filters having the smoothing characteristics of much longer filters. Shorter
filters mean less lag. The advantages of using the Laguerre Polynomials in filters is demonstrated in both indicators and automatic trading
systems. The article includes EasyLanguage code.
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What's the Difference?
A nonlinear moving average is formed by measuring the difference between a Simple Moving Average and a Median Filter.
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The CG Oscillator
The CG Oscillator is unique because it is an oscillator that is both smoothed and has zero lag. It finds the Center of Gravity (CG) of the price
values in an FIR filter. The CG automatically has the smoothing of the FIR filter (similar to a simple moving average) with the position of the
CG being exactly in phase with the price movement. EasyLanguage code is included.
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Using the Fisher Transform
Many trading systems are designed using the assumption that the probability distribution of prices have a Normal, or Gaussian, Probability Distribution
about the mean. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. This paper describes how the Fisher Transform converts data to have nearly a Normal
Probability Distribution. Given the Probability Distribution is Normal after applying the Fisher Transform, the data is used to create entry points
with surgical precision. The article includes EasyLanguage code.
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The Inverse Fisher Transform
The Inverse Fisher Transform can be used to generate an oscillator that switches quickly between oversold and overbought without whipsaws.
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RVI
The Relative Vigor Index (RVI) is a new indicator formed from old ideas. It is a measure of the average difference between the close and open,
normalized to the average daily trading range. It is an excellent oscillator to complement other indicators.
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RSI Smoothing
There is more to smoothing an RSI than just taking a moving average after the RSI is computed. By applying some advanced filters in the process
of computing the RSI you can not only get better smoothing but also enhance the turning points of this proven indicator.
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Gaussian Filters
Lag is the downfall of smoothing filters. This article shows how lag can be reduced and the highest fidelity smoothing is obtained by reducing the
lag of high frequency components in the data. A complete table of Gaussian filter coefficients is provided.
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Hybrid Filters
Simple Moving Averages are a subset of FIR Filters. Exponential Moving Averages are a subset of IIR filters. Traders are not necessarily limited to
the selection of one or the other. This article describes how you can make hybrid filters and realized the best characteristics of both.
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Poles and Zeros
A description of digital filters in terms of Z Transforms. The ramifications of higher order filters are described. Tables of coefficients for
2 Pole and 2 Pole Butterworth filters are given.
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Zero Lag Data Smoothers
A comprehensive discussion of removing lag from data smoothing filters and the penalties paid for removing that lag.
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