Logo
Home  >  Glossary  >  Statistical arbitrage

Statistical Arbitrage

Statistical arbitrage, also known as "stat arb," is a trading strategy that uses quantitative models to identify price discrepancies between related financial instruments. It involves buying underpriced securities and selling overpriced ones based on statistical relationships, typically aiming to exploit short-term inefficiencies in the market. Statistical arbitrage relies heavily on mathematical models, algorithms, and large datasets to find and execute trades, often in high-frequency trading environments.

Example

A trader might use statistical arbitrage to buy one stock and sell a closely correlated stock when their price relationship deviates from the historical norm, expecting the prices to converge over time.

Key points

A quantitative trading strategy exploiting price inefficiencies.

Involves buying underpriced assets and selling overpriced ones.

Commonly used in high-frequency trading.

Quick Answers to Curious Questions

It relies on quantitative models and statistical relationships rather than price differences across markets or assets.

The strategy may fail if the statistical relationships break down or if market conditions change unexpectedly.

Algorithms help quickly identify and execute trades based on small, short-term price discrepancies between correlated assets.
scroll top

Register to our Newsletter to always be updated of our latest news!