Dynamic Portfolio Optimization with Deep Reinforcement Learning: Evidence from Borsa Istanbul

Abstract

In this study, portfolio optimization has been conducted using the reinforcement learning approach, one of the artificial intelligence algorithms. The data is considered for constituents of the BIST30 index, which is the blue-chip index of Borsa Istanbul. The performance of Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), a deep learning algorithm of reinforcement learning, has been tested against the Markowitz mean-variance and equal-weighted portfolios as benchmark models; the BIST30 index itself has also been taken as a benchmark portfolio. This study contributes to the relevant literature in terms of Türkiye as an example of a developing country and the method employed. The study demonstrates the potential of RL approaches that are becoming widespread for portfolio optimization. The obtained results reveal that the portfolio formed with the DDPG approach shows a superior Sharpe ratio portfolio over portfolios obtained with other classical approaches. These findings, while highlighting the potential of RL approaches in practice, emerge as an alternative option for fund managers, especially in a volatile market environment. 

Keywords

• Reinforcement Learning
• Portfolio Optimization
• Borsa Istanbul
• DDPG
• Markowitz Model
• Emerging Markets

Derin Pekiştirmeli Öğrenme ile Dinamik Portföy Optimizasyonu: Borsa İstanbul Örneği

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, yapay zekâ algoritmalarından biri olan pekiştirmeli öğrenme yaklaşımı kullanılarak portföy optimizasyonu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler, Borsa İstanbul endeksi olan BIST30 endeksinin bileşenleri için ele alınmıştır. Pekiştirmeli öğrenmenin derin öğrenme algoritmalarından biri olan Derin Deterministik Politika Gradyanının (DDPG) performansı, kıyaslama modeli olarak Markowitz ortalama-varyans ve eşit ağırlıklı portföylere karşı test edilmiş, ayrıca BIST30 endeksinin kendisi de kıyaslama portföyü olarak alınmıştır. Bu çalışma, gelişmekte olan bir ülke örneği olarak Türkiye ve kullanılan yöntem açısından ilgili literatüre katkıda bulunmaktadır. Çalışma, giderek yaygınlaşan RL yaklaşımlarının portföy optimizasyonu için potansiyelini göstermektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, DDPG yaklaşımıyla oluşturulan portföyün, diğer klasik yaklaşımlarla elde edilen portföylere göre daha üstün bir Sharpe oranına sahip portföy gösterdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bulgular, RL yaklaşımlarının pratikteki potansiyelini vurgularken, özellikle dalgalı piyasa ortamında fon yöneticileri için alternatif bir seçenek olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır.

Keywords

• Pekiştirmeli Öğrenme
• Portföy Optimizasyonu
• Borsa İstanbul
• DDPG
• Markowitz Modeli
• Gelişmekte Olan Piyasalar

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