Coherent Patterns in Nuclei and in Financial Markets

TL;DR

This paper explores the parallels between nuclear physics and financial markets using matrix formalism and random matrix theory to analyze the coexistence of chaos and order in complex systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interdisciplinary approach linking nuclear physics concepts with financial market analysis through matrix and graph theory.

Findings

Demonstrates utility of random matrix theory in financial markets

Maps matrix formalism to graph theory concepts in finance

Suggests possible analogous effects in atomic nuclei and Fermi systems

Abstract

In the area of traditional physics the atomic nucleus belongs to the most complex systems. It involves essentially all elements that characterize complexity including the most distinctive one whose essence is a permanent coexistence of coherent patterns and of randomness. From a more interdisciplinary perspective, these are the financial markets that represent an extreme complexity. Here, based on the matrix formalism, we set some parallels between several characteristics of complexity in the above two systems. We, in particular, refer to the concept - historically originating from nuclear physics considerations - of the random matrix theory and demonstrate its utility in quantifying characteristics of the coexistence of chaos and collectivity also for the financial markets. In this later case we show examples that illustrate mapping of the matrix formulation into the concepts originating from the graph theory. Finally, attention is drawn to some novel aspects of the financial coherence which opens room for speculation if analogous effects can be detected in the atomic nuclei or in other strongly interacting Fermi systems.