NeuralBeta: Estimating Beta Using Deep Learning

ArXiv ID: 2408.01387 “View on arXiv”

Authors: Unknown

Abstract

Traditional approaches to estimating beta in finance often involve rigid assumptions and fail to adequately capture beta dynamics, limiting their effectiveness in use cases like hedging. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel method using neural networks called NeuralBeta, which is capable of handling both univariate and multivariate scenarios and tracking the dynamic behavior of beta. To address the issue of interpretability, we introduce a new output layer inspired by regularized weighted linear regression, which provides transparency into the model’s decision-making process. We conducted extensive experiments on both synthetic and market data, demonstrating NeuralBeta’s superior performance compared to benchmark methods across various scenarios, especially instances where beta is highly time-varying, e.g., during regime shifts in the market. This model not only represents an advancement in the field of beta estimation, but also shows potential for applications in other financial contexts that assume linear relationships.

Keywords: Neural networks, Beta estimation, Dynamic hedging, Weighted linear regression, Regime shifts, Equities

Complexity vs Empirical Score

• Math Complexity: 6.5/10
• Empirical Rigor: 8.0/10
• Quadrant: Holy Grail
• Why: The paper introduces complex neural network architectures with attention mechanisms and a novel interpretable output layer, indicating moderate-to-high mathematical density, while the extensive experiments on synthetic and market data with explicit hedging performance metrics demonstrate high implementation and data-heavy rigor.

  flowchart TD
    A["Research Goal<br>Develop adaptive beta estimator"] --> B["Data Input<br>Market Data Synthetic Data"]
    B --> C["Core Methodology<br>NeuralNetwork + RegularizedLinearOutput"]
    C --> D["Computational Process<br>DynamicBeta Tracking"]
    D --> E["Key Finding<br>Superior Performance vs Benchmarks"]
    D --> F["Key Finding<br>Effective in Regime Shifts"]
    E --> G["Outcome<br>Transparent & Accurate Estimator"]
    F --> G