Portfolio Optimization Based on MPT-LSTM Neural Networks: A case study of Cryptocurrency Markets

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examines advanced portfolio management techniques using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, the study was applied to investing in cryptocurrencies whose markets are characterized by high-frequency trading, and using behavioral finance models based on the concept of return-risk and deep learning based on the work of artificial neural networks (ANN) and long-term memory (LSTM) algorithms

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts quantitative approach. Moreover, A random portfolio consisting of 25 cryptocurrencies was selected based on the database of the website: https://finance.yahoo.com/crypto/ during the period 2021-2024 AD and programming the Python language. And an attempt to evaluate the performance of the models used in accurately predicting the optimal relative weights of the investment portfolio, which proved the relative effectiveness of deep learning models by estimating the values of the mean square error (MSE) at a level of 0.0218% to predict the optimal portfolio weights for 5 days based on training 80% and testing 20% of the study data.

Findings: The second hypothesis of this study was accepted, which states the effectiveness of deep learning algorithms to predict the weights of optimal portfolios with a return estimated at 1.7239% and a risk of 1.1219% and a Sharpe index value estimated at 1.5365%, while the Markowitz return-risk model portfolio came with a return rate estimated at 31.15% and a risk of 39.05%. With no diversification of investment on all portfolio assets and a Sharpe index value of 0.7978%.

Practical Implications: This study provides important insights that machine learning offers significant advantages in portfolio optimization, from improved forecasting of asset returns to dynamic rebalancing, better risk management, and automation. The ability to handle high-dimensional, non-linear, and non-stationary data makes ML an ideal tool for optimizing portfolios in complex and fast-moving markets; especially in cryptocurrency markets. However, challenges like data quality, overfitting, and interpretability must be addressed to ensure effective deployment of ML in real-world portfolio.

Originality/Value: This study provides an original and timely contribution to understanding the use of deep learning for portfolio optimization represents a significant advancement over traditional financial models by offering several original and valuable benefits. These include the ability to capture complex non-linear relationships, dynamic rebalancing in response to real-time data, processing of unstructured data (like sentiment analysis), advanced risk management, and the integration of high-dimensional data. The combination of these capabilities enables more accurate, adaptive, and robust portfolio optimization, ultimately enhancing portfolio performance and reducing risk.

Paper Type:  Research Paper