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Causal Policy Analysis in Financial Time Series Using Deep Learning X-Learner

Taeyeon Oh Primary Contact , Joongho Chang Corresponding Author
Abstract

This study employs the X-Learner algorithm with deep learning models (MLP, LSTM, GRU, CNN) to causally estimate performance differences between cyclical (T=1) and defensive (T=0) asset classes in financial time-series data. The results show that the MLP-based policy achieved a Sharpe ratio of 0.440, while the LSTM-based policy improved to 0.990, outperforming T1 (0.880) and T0 (0.493). These findings indicate that incorporating temporal dependence through LSTM enhances causal policy learning. By reframing asset allocation as a causal decision-making problem rather than a predictive task, this study provides a foundation for interpretable and adaptive investment strategies in financial markets.

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Keywords
X-Learner Causal Inference Time-Series Analysis Deep Learning
Details

Authors
Taeyeon Oh Primary Contact

  • aSSIST University / Ph. D. Candidate
  • Seoul National University, Ph. D. in Sport Management
  • Sogang University, MA in Economics
  • Areas of Interest: data analytics using AI and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI).
Joongho Chang Corresponding Author

  • After earning a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, he worked for various companies and is currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Ph.D. program in AI Convergence Engineering at the Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies (aSSIST University). His primary research areas include artificial intelligence and retail innovation.
How to Cite
Causal Policy Analysis in Financial Time Series Using Deep Learning X-Learner. (2025). AI Journal of BUsiness, 2(1), 41-49. https://jnl.ampla.page/aijb/article/view/124