Since the 1980s, one of the most well-known and heavily used
strategies among hedge funds and portfolio managers has been pairs trading.
The pair trading is a market
neutral trading strategy enabling traders to profit from virtually any
market conditions: uptrend, downtrend, or sideways movement.
In a properly hedged pair, an investor goes long on one
stock and short on the other. Thus, when the market goes up, the long position
follows suit and profits, while the short loses money (and vice versa when the
market falls). The relationship between the two stocks (known as a spread) will
influence whether the overall position prospers or not.
Pairs trading have the potential to achieve profits through
simple and relatively low-risk positions. The pair trade is market-neutral,
meaning the direction of the overall market does not affect its win or loss
To profit from this strategy, you have to choose good pairs
in the same industry with similar business models and a consistent, historical relationship.
Pairs trading strategy demands good position sizing, market
timing, and decision making skill. Although the strategy does not have much
downside
risk, there is a scarcity of opportunities, and, for profiting, the trader
must be one of the first to capitalize on the opportunity.
A profit or loss on a pair trade depends on whether the spread between
paired positions widens or narrows.
Example for Pair trading:
Please take a look at
Jindalstel and
Tatasteel stocks. Both the stocks are in same sector.
3 month back (13.11.2014) rate:
Short
200 shares of Tatasteel at 471.25
Bought 400 shares of Jindalsteel at 152.3
Today price(16.02.2015):
Short 200 shares Tatasteel at 471.25 -373.5
Profit -471.25-373.5=98.05*200=Rs 19610
Bought 400 shares Jindalsteel at
152.3 -153.2
Profit-153.2-152.3=1*400=Rs 400.
Still you have any doubt about pair trading please visit below link.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/featured_contributors/how-to-successfully-pair-trade-1584315.html
http://techpaisa.com/2011/sep/26/pairs-trading-strategy/