Multiple Small Specialized Models vs. Large Multi-Faceted Models? Need Advice for Stock Modeling

Hey folks,

I’m pretty new to AI/ML, though I’ve tinkered enough with TensorFlow to get myself into trouble. I’m constantly experimenting, and right now, I’m curious about model design for something as complex as stock market predictions.

Here’s my dilemma: If I want to create a model that helps decide what to do with a stock—buy, don’t buy, sell, or hold—would it be better to design one large model that outputs all four decisions, or should I create four separate models, each specialized in one type of transaction?

I can see potential issues with both approaches, especially considering how unpredictable the stock market can be. Part of me wonders if the answer might be to create five models: the four specialized ones and one overarching model, then compare the results to maximize profit.

Setting aside the time component and the risk of market crashes, is it generally better to build specialized atomic models and somehow weigh them against each other, or should I aim for a big, comprehensive model that takes everything into account? Or maybe both—more information is always better, right? :thinking:

For stock market predictions, a single comprehensive model might handle complex interactions better by learning from all inputs at once, but it can be complex and harder to interpret. On the other hand, specialized models for each action (buy, sell, hold, don’t buy) could offer more tailored and potentially accurate predictions for each decision, though combining their outputs can be challenging. A hybrid approach, using specialized models with an overarching model to weigh their recommendations, could combine the strengths of both methods, offering a balanced solution that leverages detailed, focused insights while maintaining overall coherence. Experimenting with both methods and comparing their performance could help determine the best strategy for your specific needs.

When designing a model for stock market predictions, creating one comprehensive model that outputs all four decisions (buy, don’t buy, sell, hold) might be beneficial because it allows the model to learn complex interactions and dependencies within the data, potentially leading to more nuanced predictions. However, this approach can be complex and may require extensive tuning. On the other hand, building four separate specialized models for each decision could offer more targeted insights and flexibility but may complicate the process of integrating and comparing their outputs. A hybrid approach, using an overarching model to weigh the recommendations from the specialized models, could combine the strengths of both methods and provide a robust decision-making framework. This way, you leverage the focused expertise of individual models while still considering a holistic view. Experimenting with both approaches and assessing their performance could help determine the best strategy for your specific needs.