Product Description

Evidence-Based Technical Analysis examines how you can apply the scientific method, and recently developed statistical tests, to determine the true effectiveness of technical trading signals. Throughout the book, expert David Aronson provides you with comprehensive coverage of this new methodology, which is specifically designed for evaluating the performance of rules/signals that are discovered by data mining.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76725 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 544 pages

Review
"…his book is well written and contains a great deal of information that is of value…." (The Technical Analyst, May/June 2007)

From the Inside Flap
As an approach to research, technical analysis has suffered because it is a "discipline" practiced without discipline. In order for technical analysis to deliver useful knowledge that can be applied to trading, it must evolve into a rigorous observational science.

Over the past two decades, numerous articles in respected academic journals have approached technical analysis in a scientifically rigorous and intellectually honest manner, and now, Evidence-Based Technical Analysis looks to continue down this path. Organized into two parts, this valuable resource first establishes the methodological, philosophical, and statistical foundations of evidenced-based technical analysis (EBTA), and then demonstrates this approach—by using twenty-five years of historical data to test 6,400 binary buy/sell rules on the S&P 500.

Evidence-Based Technical Analysis examines how you can apply the scientific method, and recently developed statistical tests, to determine the true effectiveness of technical trading signals. Throughout these pages, expert David Aronson details this new type of technical analysis that—unlike traditional technical analysis—is restricted to objective rules, whose historical profitability can be quantified and scrutinized.

Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, Evidence-Based Technical Analysis provides you with comprehensive coverage of this new methodology, which is specifically designed for evaluating the performance of rules/signals that are discovered by data mining. Experimental results presented in the book will show you that data mining—a process in which many rules are back-tested and the best performing rules are selected—is an effective procedure for discovering useful rules/signals. However, since the historical performance of the rules/signals discovered by data mining are upwardly biased, new statistical tests are required to make reasonable inferences about future profitability. Two such tests, one of which has never been discussed anywhere heretofore, are described and illustrated.

If you want to use technical analysis to navigate today's markets, you must first abandon the subjective, interpretive methods traditionally associated with this discipline, and embrace an approach that is scientifically and statistically valid. Grounded in objective observation and statistical inference, EBTA is the approach to technical analysis you need to succeed in your trading endeavors.

From the Back Cover
Praise for EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

"In clear language, Aronson demonstrates the theoretical flaws in interpretative technical analysis methodologies, the flawed premises and conclusions of the Efficient Market Hypothesis, and the appropriate techniques for developing and testing technical analysis methods that do have validity. Readers will learn a lot from this book."
—Jack Schwager, author of Market Wizards and the Schwager on Futures book series

"Aronson's explanation of data mining is a must-read for every analyst, and his overall discussion of statistical inference is critical to success. The book is filled with commonsense examples and provides a testing and validation process that saves time, frustration, and money."
—Perry Kaufman, author of New Trading Systems and Methods, Fourth Edition

"This book debunks many of the myths of technical analysis. One should read this book before buying a technical system. The book is a good reference to the literature on the subject with extensive footnotes and bibliography."
—Sandor Straus, Managing Member, Merfin, LLC

"You may not agree with everything David Aronson says in this controversial, but compelling new study. Still, every trader who wants to invest technical analysis with the dignity of a great science should read this discerning account."
—Nelson Freeburg, Editor, Formula Research

"There are illusions of the mind that are every bit as real as optical illusions. Aronson's criticisms of popular forms of technical analysis are right on target."
—Fred Gehm, author of Quantitative Trading and Money Management

Customer Reviews

Great book
In this thought-provoking work, David Aronson tests more than 6,400 technical analysis rules and finds that none of them offer statistically significant returns when applied to trading the S&P 500. This result, presented at the end of his work, is not disappointing to dedicated students of technical analysis who draw from the book not a new trading technique but instead take away a new, and more effective, approach to system development and trading. Those seeking the single best indicator or day trading pattern will be disappointed after reading Evidence-Based Technical Analysis, just as they will be disappointed in their trading until they advance beyond seeking the Holy Grail of Trading.

Most books and articles about technical analysis focus on applying a specific technique in pursuit of success in the markets. This one is different in that it outlines an entirely new process of thinking, and through the application of this new thought process, success can be attained. Part I of Evidence-Based Technical Analysis is called, "Methodological, Psychological, Philosophical, and Statistical Foundations" and Aronson uses this title as an outline to define the processes which should underlie system development.

The scientific method changed the world, and made the advances of modern society possible. Until now, technical analysis has been considered more of an art than a science to many practitioners and escaped the scrutiny of the scientific method. With recent advances in computing power and analysis software, it is now possible for virtually anyone to search through years of data and identify seemingly profitable trading rules. Aronson presents the scientific method, combined with the philosophy of science as explained by Karl Popper, as an antidote to this very real danger.

Well designed experiments in any scientific inquiry are based upon a verifiable hypothesis grounded in detailed observations. Popper contributed the concept of falsification to this framework, which readily lends itself to mechanical trading system design. As Aronson writes, "Popper's central contention was that a scientific inquiry was unable to prove a hypothesis to be true. Rather, science was limited to identifying which hypotheses were false."

In technical analysis, we can never prove that if the NYSE Advance-Decline Line reaches a new high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average will always be higher thirty days later. But, we can test this hypothesis to see if it is not true. This simple example illustrates the beginning of Aronson's scientific approach to the markets.

Many of the dangers of data mining and curve fitting are grounded in psychology, and Aronson thoroughly explains many of the common problems that can contribute to inaccurate observations. Carefully studying his sections on logic and psychology should lead to better market observations, which should lead to profitable systems.

The chapters on statistical analysis are worth more than the price of the book in itself. Aronson presents a clear primer on statistics, and leaves the reader with all they need to understand how to design a statistically valid experiment. In what may very well be a publishing first, he presents clear, detailed and understandable descriptions of bootstrap and Monte Carlo randomization methods.

This book is well-researched and presents actionable ideas to advance the study of technical analysis. Although none of the rules Aronson tested proved to be statistically significant, he helpfully devotes a section to explaining the limitations of his test results. Armed with this information, and the knowledge provided in the rest of the book, the thoughtful analyst can develop better insights into the market and perform better backtests to identify profitable strategies.

There is better books available
This book doesn't test 6400 binary rules,unless you see a Price/Moving average cross with a period of 1 to 200 as 200 rules. I see it as 1 rule with 1 optimizing parameter. A lot of stuff get repeated and the book shouldn't be longer than 200 pages. There is a lot to learn if you are a novice trader and if you've never tried to develop a trading system. I think this book isn't worth half the selling price. Rather buy "The Encyclopedia of Trading Strategies (Hardcover)" by Jeffrey Owen Katz. You will learn something about GA and NN. Don't waste your time on this book. I'm selling mine.

Useless
This book does not provide anything new about the current understanding of TA indicators. The properties and behaviors of the TA indicators under statistical studies are known long time ago. At the same time, this is not a book for anyone to study Monte Carlo, or Data mining. Simply put it: IT IS WORTHLESS.