A machine learning approach to risk based asset allocation in portfolio optimization

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Edit and run Quant Buffet Python for A machine learning approach to risk based asset allocation in portfolio optimization in the browser. Results update live with equity, drawdown, and metrics charts. Allowed: backtest.data, backtest.engine, backtest.metrics, numpy, pandas. Define ASSETS and make_on_day(prices). Shortcut: Ctrl+Enter. API docs →

Ready — edit code, then Run backtest.
IDE · 40 lines
Quant Buffet syntax cheat sheet (copy / insert)

Paste these fragments into the editor. The sandbox rejects QuantConnect, os, and network libraries.

Required imports
Only these libraries are allowed in the sandbox.
from __future__ import annotations

import numpy as np
import pandas as pd

from backtest.data import load_daily_prices
from backtest.engine import EngineConfig, PortfolioEngine
from backtest.metrics import compute_metrics
ASSETS list (whitelisted ETFs)
Module-level list. Tickers must be in the Quant Buffet whitelist.
ASSETS = ["SPY", "QQQ", "TLT", "GLD", "BIL"]
make_on_day contract
Must return (on_day, ready). on_day calls engine.set_target_weights.
def make_on_day(prices: pd.DataFrame):
    cols = [c for c in ASSETS if c in prices.columns]
    sma = prices[cols].rolling(200, min_periods=200).mean()
    state = {"last": None}

    def on_day(engine: PortfolioEngine, dt: pd.Timestamp) -> None:
        if sma.loc[dt].isna().all():
            return
        key = (dt.year, dt.month)
        if state["last"] == key:
            return
        state["last"] = key
        long = [
            s for s in cols
            if pd.notna(prices.at[dt, s]) and pd.notna(sma.at[dt, s])
            and prices.at[dt, s] > sma.at[dt, s]
        ]
        weights = {} if not long else {s: 1.0 / len(long) for s in long}
        engine.set_target_weights(dt, weights)

    ready = sma.dropna(how="all").index.min() if sma.notna().any().any() else None
    return on_day, ready
Set target weights
Weights should sum to about 1.0. Empty dict = 100% cash.
engine.set_target_weights(dt, {"SPY": 0.60, "BIL": 0.40})

Live backtest performance

CAGR
2.49%
Sharpe
1.01
Max DD
-8.29%
Vol
2.47%
Sortino
1.51
Beta
0.01

Showing saved draft baseline until you re-run.

Equity curve (indexed = 100)

Accent = strategy · dashed grey = buy-and-hold benchmark

2002-102026-08131288
Drawdown
Worst -2.0%-2%
Metrics bar chart
CAGRSharpeSortinoVol|DD|Grey = baseline · Accent = live run
Monthly returns
2020-122026-08 · last 24 months

Export to your platform

Transform Quant Buffet lab code (ASSETS + make_on_day / PortfolioEngine) into native classes for a third-party IDE — then copy and paste.

Run in: QuantConnect Cloud or LEAN CLI · QCAlgorithm with Equity securities and monthly rebalance.

Detected pattern: Custom / hybridAssets: SPY, TLT, GLD, BIL
# Generated from Quant Buffet → QuantConnect LEAN
# Strategy: A machine learning approach to risk based asset allocation in portfolio optimization
# Detected pattern: Custom / hybrid
# Source uses Quant Buffet lab APIs (ASSETS + make_on_day / PortfolioEngine).
# Review fees, data, and risk before live trading — educational export only.

from AlgorithmImports import *


class QuantBuffetExport(QCAlgorithm):
    def Initialize(self):
        self.SetStartDate(2010, 1, 1)
        self.SetCash(100000)
        tickers = ["SPY", "TLT", "GLD", "BIL"]
        self.symbols = []
        for t in tickers:
            if "-" in t:  # crypto proxy e.g. BTC-USD
                self.symbols.append(self.AddCrypto(t.replace("-USD", ""), Resolution.Daily).Symbol)
            else:
                self.symbols.append(self.AddEquity(t, Resolution.Daily).Symbol)
        self.Schedule.On(
            self.DateRules.MonthStart(self.symbols[0]),
            self.TimeRules.AfterMarketOpen(self.symbols[0], 30),
            self.Rebalance,
        )
        # Logic: Custom Quant Buffet logic — adapt the signal block to match your lab on_day().

    def Rebalance(self):
        # Pattern: custom — Custom Quant Buffet logic — adapt the signal block to match your lab on_day().
        # Default: equal-weight. Port your make_on_day weights here via SetHoldings.
        w = 1.0 / len(self.symbols) if self.symbols else 0.0
        for symbol in self.symbols:
            self.SetHoldings(symbol, w)

Exported code uses the platform’s native classes and libraries. Install dependencies in your third-party IDE, then run. Validate before live trading.

Academic paper

A machine learning approach to risk based asset allocation in portfolio optimization

AuthorsSanjay Agal; Krishna Raulji; Niyati Dhirubhai Odedra

InstituteParul University; Goddard College

Teaser

Allocate inversely to asset volatility so risk contributions are roughly equal. Universe: LQD, HYG, AGG, BIL. Parameters: vol_lookback=63; rebalance=monthly. Rebalanced on the engine's template schedule with 5 bps commission and 2 bps slippage. Because the paper's primary signal (ML, sentiment, or proprietary data) is not available in our public ETF engine, this draft uses a liquid ETF rule that preserves the paper's economic theme rather than a bit-exact replication.

Strategy in a nutshell

This paper introduces a novel machine learning framework for dynamic risk-based asset allocation that addresses fundamental limitations in traditional portfolio optimization methods. The proposed architecture integrates Long Short-Term Memory networks for volatility forecasting with differentiable risk budgeting layers and regime-switching mechanisms, enabling end-to-end training of portfolio weights under adaptive risk constraints. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on static risk budgets and historical covariance estimates, our methodology dynamically adjusts risk targets based on real-time market indicators, including volatility expectations, credit spreads, and yield curve dynamics. The framework achieves three primary research objectives: first, it demonstrates superior risk-adj

Economic rationale

Equalizing risk contributions avoids concentration in the noisiest assets and stabilizes multi-asset drawdowns. Related evidence from “A machine learning approach to risk based asset allocation in portfolio optimization”: This paper introduces a novel machine learning framework for dynamic risk-based asset allocation that addresses fundamental limitations in traditional portfolio optimization methods. The proposed architecture integrates Long Short-Term Memory networks for volatility forecasting with differentiable risk budgeting layers and regime-switching mechanisms, enabling end-to-end training of portfolio weights under adaptive risk constraints. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on static risk budgets

Backtest performance

Annualised return2.49%
Volatility2.47%
Beta0.01
Sharpe ratio1.01
Sortino ratio1.51
Maximum drawdown-8.29%