Series

Beginner Series Trading

Financial trading may be confusing, particularly for novices. Even novices may succeed in trading by knowing the fundamentals and creating a methodical approach. One method is series trading, which analyzes and trades linked stocks. This article introduces series trading and offers starting suggestions.

Series trading?

Traders use series trading, pairs trading, or statistical arbitrage to capitalize on the relative value of two or more financial instruments. This method includes finding historically associated pairings or series and placing trades based on their projected convergence or divergence.

Series trading works because linked securities move together owing to market, industry, or macroeconomic dynamics. However, occasional mismatches between these assets may provide trading opportunities.

How Does Series Trading Work?

Traders use these procedures to establish series trading:

First, find a pair or series of securities that are likely to be connected. Look for assets in the same industry, market capitalization, or driven by comparable causes.
Create a trading hypothesis: After identifying the series, traders must hypothesize about their connection. If they think one security will outperform the other in the series, they may buy the outperforming security and sell the underperforming security.
Track and trade series: The chosen series’ securities’ connection must be monitored by traders. They may evaluate the connection and find trading chances using correlation or mean-reversion analysis. Traders start or alter positions based on analysis.
Tips for Series Trading Beginners

Beginners to series trading may consider these tips:

Starting with basic series is best for beginners since they are easier to grasp and evaluate. Avoid complicated series with several equities or exotic derivatives unless you’re experienced.
Manage risk: Series trading contains risks like any trading method. Beginners should use stop-loss orders and position-sizing guidelines to reduce risk.
Strategy backtesting: Backtest your series trading methods using historical data before trading with real money. This helps you evaluate your strategy’s profitability and efficacy over time.
Keep up with market and industry news: Based on market and industry parameters, series trading finds correlations and divergences. Keep up with news to make smart trading choices.
References and sources:

Sources for this article’s information and ideas:

Smith (2010), “Pairs Trading: Quantitative Methods and Analysis.” Wiley.
E. Gatev, W. Goetzmann, and K. Rouwenhorst (2006). 19(3):797-827. “Pairs Trading: Performance of a Relative Value Arbitrage Rule.”
Lo, A. (2010). Oxford: “Statistical Arbitrage: Algorithmic Trading Insights and Techniques.”

These websites provide sophisticated series trading tactics to help you grasp this approach.

Trading is risky, therefore contact a professional or trusted trading resource before trading.