DOI:10.33774/COE-2025-JMMNX
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DNA-Inspired Time Series Encoding:
A Glimpse Into The Next 4-Hour Timeframe

Bao Bui-Quang

BScCS, MScFE

ORCID: 0009-0003-3627-672X

Abstract

In this work, we introduce a bio‑inspired encoding framework for forecasting the direction of financial time series. Motivated by the limitations of linear models and the opacity of many deep learning approaches, we draw an analogy to genetics: observable micro‑patterns are encoded into symbolic "Financial DNA" sequences. These sequences are then analyzed using a probabilistic state‑transition mechanism to estimate the likelihood of subsequent market directions. We evaluate the approach on Bitcoin hourly OHLCV data with a rolling backtest. Among the horizons considered, modeling transitions from current Financial DNA patterns to the 4‑hour‑ahead price direction yields the strongest results, achieving a win ratio of 0.729. The findings suggest that compact, interpretable symbolic representations can capture salient, recurring structures in noisy, non‑stationary markets and support effective directional forecasts.

Open access

In alignment with the author's commitment to open-access science [01↗, 02↗, 03↗], this research will not be submitted to closed-publication journals [04↗, 05↗, 06↗, 07↗, 08↗]. The paper will be publicly available through science presses, preprint servers, and open repositories.

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Cite as

Bao Bui-Quang, 2025, “DNA-Inspired Time Series Encoding: A Glimpse Into The Next 4-Hour Timeframe”, Cambridge University Press - Open Engage, DOI: 10.33774/COE-2025-JMMNX

BibTeX

@article{COE2025JMMNX,
   author = {Bao Bui-Quang},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press - Open Engage},
   title = {{DNA-Inspired Time Series Encoding: A Glimpse Into The Next 4-Hour Timeframe}},
   year = {2025},
   doi = {10.33774/COE-2025-JMMNX},
   url = {https://doi.org/10.33774/COE-2025-JMMNX}
}

Notes

Despite the promising results, the approach presented in this work is intended solely for academic and research purposes. Financial markets are inherently noisy, non-stationary, and subject to regime shifts, unforeseen events, and microstructure effects (slippage, transaction costs, liquidity constraints) that are not accounted for in this study. Readers are strongly cautioned against using these results for actual investment or trading decisions without thorough independent validation and robust risk management.