Strategic Execution in the Presence of an Uninformed Arbitrageur


Abstract in English

We consider a trader who aims to liquidate a large position in the presence of an arbitrageur who hopes to profit from the traders activity. The arbitrageur is uncertain about the traders position and learns from observed price fluctuations. This is a dynamic game with asymmetric information. We present an algorithm for computing perfect Bayesian equilibrium behavior and conduct numerical experiments. Our results demonstrate that the traders strategy differs significantly from one that would be optimal in the absence of the arbitrageur. In particular, the trader must balance the conflicting desires of minimizing price impact and minimizing information that is signaled through trading. Accounting for information signaling and the presence of strategic adversaries can greatly reduce execution costs.

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