Can Markov switching models replicate chartist profits in the foreign exchange market?

In this paper we show that the Markov switching model is a relevant statistical alternative to the classical martingale model for exchange rates. By extending the standard Markov switching model we decisively reject the martingale model. Moreover, the model generates autocorrelations and linear structures in Line with what is observed in reality. Subsequently, we test whether this model can explain chartist profits. We find that the extended Markov switching model is able to explain the profitability of a simple MA-30 rule. Finally, we decompose the profitability of the MA-30 rule into a linear and nonlinear part. We find that, although the implied linear structure of the Markov model explains a substantial part of the profitability, part of the profits of the MA-30 rule can be attributed to the specific nonlinearities implicit in the Markov model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. JEL classification: F31.