Real World Examples of Singular Matrices in Finance

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SUMMARY

Singular matrices, which are not invertible, occur infrequently in real-world applications, particularly in finance. Instead, ill-conditioned matrices, characterized by a high condition number, are more common and can lead to significant variations in results due to small fluctuations in parameters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the properties of these matrices, particularly in financial modeling and analysis. Generalized inverses can be utilized to address issues arising from singularity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix theory and properties, specifically singular and ill-conditioned matrices.
  • Familiarity with financial modeling techniques that involve matrix computations.
  • Knowledge of condition numbers and their implications in numerical analysis.
  • Experience with generalized inverses and their applications in solving linear systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of ill-conditioned matrices in financial risk assessment models.
  • Explore the use of generalized inverses in econometric modeling.
  • Learn about numerical stability and conditioning in matrix computations.
  • Investigate specific case studies where singular matrices impacted financial decision-making.
USEFUL FOR

Finance professionals, quantitative analysts, data scientists, and anyone involved in financial modeling and matrix analysis will benefit from this discussion.

calli
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Homework Statement



Hi, no variables, eqns or any of that here:) I was hoping some of you brilliant people could help me in finding some real world examples of where singular matrices occur. I do know that most real world problems yield matrices that are singular and therefore not invertible. We can use a generalized inverse on these problems, but I am finding it difficult to find some real world examples of this, specifically in the field of finance.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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In real world applications singular matrices occur very seldom, since the elements are real numbers.
What is common is badly conditioned matrices: matrices whose determinant is not zero, but is very close to. In this case, small fluctuations in any parameter yields enormous variations in the result.
 
singularity

hey thanks so much.

I have been looking at ill-conditioned matrices. I was hoping to find some specific financial application that yields ill-conditioned matrices. (i.e. there condition number is very large)
 
calli said:
hey thanks so much.

I have been looking at ill-conditioned matrices. I was hoping to find some specific financial application that yields ill-conditioned matrices. (i.e. there condition number is very large)

What makes a matrix singular or ill-conditioned is the value of the elements. Any application can have those types of matrices, depending on the data.
 

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