Multi-Scale Capability: A Better Approach to Performance Measurement for Algorithmic Trading

Algorithmic Finance (2015), 4:1-2, 53-68

17 Pages Posted: 30 Aug 2014 Last revised: 28 Jul 2015

See all articles by Ricky Cooper

Ricky Cooper

Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business, IIT

Michael Ong

Michael K. Ong Risk Advisory

Ben Van Vliet

Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business

Date Written: May 1, 2015

Abstract

This paper develops a new performance measurement methodology for algorithmic trading. By adapting capability from the quality control literature, we present new criteria for assessing control, expected tail loss and risk-adjusted performance in a single framework. The multi-scale capability measure we present is more descriptive and more appropriate for algorithmic trading than the traditional measure used in finance. It is robust to non-normality and the multiple time horizon decision processes inherent in algorithmic trading. We also argue that an algorithmic trading strategy, indeed any investment strategy, which satisfies the criteria to be multi-scale capable also satisfies any definition of prudence. It will be unlikely to harm the investor or external market participants in the event of its failure, while providing a high likelihood of satisfactory risk-adjusted performance.

Keywords: risk-adjusted performance measure, term structure of capability, algorithmic trading, prudence

Suggested Citation

Cooper, Ricky and Ong, Michael and Van Vliet, Ben, Multi-Scale Capability: A Better Approach to Performance Measurement for Algorithmic Trading (May 1, 2015). Algorithmic Finance (2015), 4:1-2, 53-68, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2488667

Ricky Cooper

Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business, IIT ( email )

10 West 35th Street, 18th Floor
Chicago, IL 60616
United States

Michael Ong

Michael K. Ong Risk Advisory ( email )

Chicago, IL
United States

Ben Van Vliet (Contact Author)

Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business ( email )

Stuart Graduate School of Business
565 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60661
United States

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