A novel R / S fractal analysis and wavelet entropy characterization approach for robust forecasting based on self-similar time series modeling

Abstract

It has become vital to effectively characterize the self-similar and regular patterns in time series marked by short-term and long-term memory in various fields in the ever-changing and complex global landscape. Within this framework, attempting to find solutions with adaptive mathematical models emerges as a major endeavor in economics whose complex systems and structures are generally volatile, vulnerable and vague. Thus, analysis of the dynamics of occurrence of time section accurately, efficiently and timely is at the forefront to perform forecasting of volatile states of an economic environment which is a complex system in itself since it includes interrelated elements interacting with one another. To manage data selection effectively and attain robust prediction, characterizing complexity and self-similarity is critical in financial decision-making. Our study aims to obtain analyzes based on two main approaches proposed related to seven recognized indexes belonging to prominent countries (DJI, FCHI, GDAXI, GSPC, GSTPE, N225 and Bitcoin index). The first approach includes the employment of Hurst exponent (HE) as calculated by Rescaled Range (R/S) fractal analysis and Wavelet Entropy (WE) in order to enhance the prediction accuracy in the long-term trend in the financial markets. The second approach includes Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms application Feed forward back propagation (FFBP), Cascade Forward Back Propagation (CFBP) and Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) algorithm for forecasting purposes. The following steps have been administered for the two aforementioned approaches: (i) HE and WE were applied. Consequently, new indicators were calculated for each index. By obtaining the indicators, the new dataset was formed and normalized by min-max normalization method' (ii) to form the forecasting model, ANN algorithms were applied on the datasets. Based on the experimental results, it has been demonstrated that the new dataset comprised of the HE and WE indicators had a critical and determining direction with a more accurate level of forecasting modeling by the ANN algorithms. Consequently, the proposed novel method with multifarious methodology illustrates a new frontier, which could be employed in the broad field of various applied sciences to analyze pressing real-world problems and propose optimal solutions for critical decision-making processes in nonlinear, complex and dynamic environments. © 2020 The Author(s).