Pairs trading is a short-term speculative strategy that falls into the category of statistical arbitrage. Its essence lies in identifying two fundamentally correlated assets and, in certain circumstances, linking them by opening approximately equal positions: one buying, the other selling.
Definition of Pairs Trading
Pairs trading is a form of statistical arbitrage in which the trader seeks to exploit the correlation between two assets. The concept is based on the idea that if two assets are fundamentally correlated, then any temporary deviation in this correlation represents a trading opportunity.
The essence of this strategy lies in identifying two assets that have historically shown a strong correlation in their price movements. When this correlation is temporarily broken - for example, if one asset outperforms while the other underperforms - a trader can then:
- Sell short the outperforming asset (anticipating a fall in its price).
- Buy the underperforming asset (expecting its price to rise).
The aim is for the prices of the two assets to converge again, enabling the trader to make a profit.
Identifying opportunities
Divergences in price correlation can be triggered by various factors, such as:
- Temporary changes in demand.
- Reactions to earnings announcements or other company news.
- High-volume buy/sell orders from institutional investors.
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It is crucial for a trader using the Pairs Trading strategy to have the tools and techniques to quickly identify these opportunities. Methods such as moving averages, regressions and other statistical procedures can be used to determine price deviation and fair spread value.
Benefits of Pairs Trading
Market neutrality
One of the main advantages of Pairs Trading is that it is market-neutral. Since you're long one asset and short another, overall market performance is irrelevant. Whether the market is bullish, bearish, or sideways, there's always an opportunity to make a profit.
Diversity of pairs
There are countless potential pairs to trade. Common pairs include WTI and Brent oil, Coca-Cola and Pepsi, or even sports brands like Adidas and Puma.
Pairs Trading in the context of algo trading
With the advent of algo trading, Pairs Trading has taken on a new dimension. Algorithms can be programmed to continuously monitor thousands of asset pairs, identify opportunities in real time, and execute trades in a fraction of a second.
Conclusion
Pairs Trading is a sophisticated strategy that requires in-depth analysis and an excellent understanding of the markets. However, when properly executed, it offers a tremendous profit opportunity in almost any market condition. Combined with algo trading, this strategy can offer traders a powerful weapon in their arsenal for navigating today's volatile financial markets.
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