Dynamic Portfolio Rebalancing with Derivatives : A Machine Learning-Based Approach for Enhanced Risk-Adjusted Returns

  • Zixuan XING*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book Chapters | Papers in Conference ProceedingsConference paper (refereed)Referred Conference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

In the realm of financial investment, dynamic portfolio rebalancing has emerged as a critical strategy for optimizing returns while managing risks, particularly through the integration of derivatives. This study evaluates the performance of derivatives in dynamic portfolio rebalancing using machine learning predictive models and Monte Carlo simulations. By employing a random forest regressor for volatility forecasting and incorporating regime detection via clustering, we simulate various strategies including dynamic derivatives, buy-hold, fixed rebalance, and moving average rebalance. Comparative experiments with alternative models such as XGBoost, LSTM, and GARCH confirm the superiority of random forests, with OOS R2 improvements of 8-15% over competitors. The results demonstrate that the dynamic derivatives strategy achieves a Sharpe ratio of 1.45, outperforming baselines by 15-30% in risk-adjusted returns, alongside enhanced tail risk metrics (CVaR of -0.12). The out-of-sample R2 of 0.52 indicates robust predictive accuracy, with low mean squared error supporting the model's reliability. Statistical tests confirm significant improvements, with p-values below 0.05 for comparisons against baselines. The efficiency frontier analysis highlights optimal hedge weights around 0.6, reducing risk to 0.15 while maintaining expected returns of 0.12. Sensitivity analysis to transaction costs (0.01-0.05% per trade) shows only marginal degradation in Sharpe (to 1.38 at 0.05%). Greeks time series reveal stable delta near 0.9 and decaying gamma, underscoring the strategy's adaptability. Clustering regimes align with macroeconomic indicators like VIX spikes (¿20) for high-volatility states, enhancing economic interpretability. Overall, this research underscores the value of derivatives in enhancing portfolio stability and performance in volatile markets, providing practical insights for investors seeking sustainable growth.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 2025 2nd International Conference on Digital Economy and Computer Science, DECS 2025
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages129-133
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9798400719516
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2026
Externally publishedYes
Event2025 2nd International Conference on Digital Economy and Computer Science, DECS 2025 - Wuhan, China
Duration: 17 Oct 202519 Oct 2025

Conference

Conference2025 2nd International Conference on Digital Economy and Computer Science, DECS 2025
Country/TerritoryChina
CityWuhan
Period17/10/2519/10/25

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Keywords

  • Derivatives
  • Dynamic Portfolio Rebalancing
  • Machine Learning
  • Monte Carlo Simulation
  • Volatility Forecasting

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