The financial world doesn’t just move fast; it thinks ahead. As the Nasdaq trading day draws to a close, every decision, every prediction becomes pivotal.

Optiver is partnering with Kaggle to present a unique challenge centred on these crucial moments. We are inviting data scientists from all backgrounds and experience levels to develop models that predict the closing movements of the Nasdaq Closing Cross auction.

Trading, technology, and the countdown

As a market maker operating at the heart of this financial landscape, Optiver leverages technology to trade an extensive range of financial instruments worldwide. Characterised by increased volatility and rapid price fluctuations, this period sets the tone for the global economic narrative of the next day.

However, the challenge is not just about predicting prices. It involves integrating traditional order book trading with price auction data, consolidating signals and ultimately enhancing market efficiency.

A data deep dive

Participants will be provided with extensive order book and closing auction data from the stock. With such a wealth of data, the challenge lies in harnessing it, understanding the underlying patterns and predicting the closing movements. Over three months, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and refine your model, gaining first-hand experience of the intricate challenges faced daily by traders, quantitative researchers and engineers at Optiver.

Ready for the challenge?

For data scientists eager to showcase their analytical skills, this competition offers not only a real-world challenge but also the chance to win a share of the $100,000 prize pool!

Register by 13 December to participate.