From Pairs to Portfolios, Part 4: A Triangulated Statistical Arbitrage Approach for Independent Traders

This article introduces a triangulated statistical arbitrage approach. Using 8 spread groups constructed from 6 energy stocks as an example, the z-score signal of each spread is decomposed into opposite votes for the two individual stocks, which are then aggregated into long-short signals at the individual stock level. This allows direct trading of undervalued or overvalued stocks, replacing the traditional pairs-trading model of hedging both legs simultaneously. The approach can improve capital efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and increase signal utilization, while achieving variance control similar to pairs trading through a long-short basket portfolio. The article will further explain how to evaluate the quality of aggregated signals.