Optimal dynamic pairs trading of futures under a two-factor mean-reverting model

Abstract

We study the problem of dynamically trading a pair of futures contracts. We consider a two-factor mean-reverting model, where the spot price tends to evolve around its stochastic equilibrium that is also mean-reverting. We derive the futures price dynamics and determine the optimal futures trading strategy by solving a utility maximization problem. By analyzing the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, we solve the utility maximization explicitly and provide the optimal trading strategies in closed form. Our strategies are applied to volatility (VIX) futures trading, and illustrated in a series of numerical examples.