Non-real estate corporations vs. non-financial corporations and systematic risk: Evidence from Chia

About the Project

This research aims to develop a deep learning-based multi-factor stock selection framework to enhance stock return prediction. The model integrates self-attention mechanisms to dynamically assign factor weights and employs graph neural networks to capture stock correlations. The stock correlation graph is constructed based on multiple attributes such as return correlation, industry relation, and money flow similarity. Reinforcement learning is used to iteratively optimize feature representations through adversarial training. Specifically, the model continuously updates the underlying stock factor information based on feedback from the prediction performance and strategy competition.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/doctoral/entry-requirement-phd

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/doctoral/postgraduate-research-scholarships

Supervisors:

• Principal supervisor: Professor/Xuezhong He (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Professor/Dr Yajun Xiao (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Professor/Dr Yung Chiang Yang (UoL)

Requirements:

A Master's degree with Merit and a Bachelor's degree with first-class or upper secondclass honors are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis in certain disciplines.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum) and provides a monthly stipend of 5,000 RMB as a contribution to living expenses. It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. It is a condition of the award that holders of XJTLU PhD scholarships carry out 300-500 hours of teaching assistance work per year. The scholarship holders are expected to conduct the majority of their research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, they may apply for a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if the project requires it

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email Xuezhong.he@xjtlu.edu.cn the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line):

• CV
• Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of 7 or above)
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available