Norman Guo

Saint Louis University · Saint Louis, MO 63108 · norman.guo@slu.edu

I am an Assistant Professor of Finance at Saint Loius University. My research broadly focuses on FinTech, Machine Learning, Investment, and Corporate Finance, with a particular interest in uncovering hidden patterns on mutual funds, hedge funds, and financial analysts using explainable machine learning models.

Research Interest

  • FinTech: AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning
  • Investments: Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds, Portfolio Managment
  • Corporate Finance: Financial Analysts

Download Norman's Curriculum Vitae


Research

Publication

Hedging Performance of Multiscale Hedge Ratios [Paper]
with Jahangir Sultan, Antonios Alexandridis, Mohammad Hasan, 2019, Journal of Futures Markets

In this study, we combine the wavelet multiscale model and neural network to improve the hedging performance of multiple classes of assets over traditional hedging models.

Decoding Mutual Fund Performance: Dynamic Return Patterns via Deep Learning [Paper]
2026, Journal of Financial Stability

This paper uses a sequential deep learning model to uncover and predict dynamic patterns in mutual fund returns. A long-short portfolio based on the model generates a 2.8% annualized four-factor alpha that persists for up to four years.

Working Paper

Can Machines Understand Human Skills? Insights from Analyst Selection [Paper]

• Revising for invited re-submission at Journal of Finance

We use machine learning to identify skilled financial analysts and aggregate their forecasts into a crowd wisdom-based earnings prediction. Machine-selected analysts persistently outperform expert-picked star analysts by leveraging nonlinear interactions of analyst characteristics rather than relation-based information.

Mapping the Midweek Mountain: The New Geography of Hybrid Work [Paper]

• Under submission

Using 41 billion mobile geolocation records, we document a lasting post-pandemic shift in work patterns: a 'midweek mountain' of office attendance on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with workers spending significantly more time at non-work locations during the workday.

The Impact of AI Adoption on Hedge Fund Performance

We examine how AI adoption affects hedge fund performance and find that it improves returns by 2.64% annually, reduces risk, and leads to more diversified portfolios with less concentration in local stocks.

The Vulnerability Trap: How Sudden Stops Erode Firm Financial Health Through Supply Chain Destruction
with Anqi Jiao

We show that sudden stops in international capital flows destroy firms' supply chain networks, creating a vulnerability trap: financially fragile firms suffer the most network damage, which further weakens their financial health and amplifies exposure to future crises.

Why do actively managed mutual funds hold ETFs? Evidence on liquidity management

This paper examines why actively managed mutual funds hold ETFs and finds they serve as a liquidity management tool. Funds using index ETFs maintain performance regardless of investor flow, while non-users suffer lower returns during redemptions.


Teaching

Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

Saint Louis University
2022 - Present

Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrency, & Business Disruption

Saint Louis University
2022 - 2023

Finance for Managers

Saint Louis University
2023 - 2024

Principles of Finance

Saint Louis University
2022 - Present

Blockchain and business disruption

Georgia State University

This course provides an introduction to blockchain technology and its disruptive roles in business. Students will have hands-on and problem solving experiences that can be useful in blockchain applications and innovation.

  • Fundamentals of Blockchain Technology
  • Blockchain and Business Disruption
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Ethereum and Programming
  • Blockchain Platforms
2021 - 2022

Corporate Finance

Georgia State University
2019 - 2022

CFA Exam

Curriculum Lead and Lecturer, Utoollearning

Design and teach the course of Quantitative Methods, Portfolio Management, and Equity Investments in the CFA Level I exam.

2015 - 2016

Interests

In my personal time, I enjoy hiking with my family. I also enjoy running, cycling, and kayaking.

When forced indoors, I follow a number of sci-fi and fantasy genre movies and television shows. I am an aspiring chef, and I spend a lot of my free time exploring the latest technology advancements in Artificial Intelligence.

Blockchain Intro Demo

Welcome to the exciting realm of Blockchain! Get ready for an adventure through the world of hashes, digital signatures, and mining. Let's explore some intriguing demos from my Blockchain class. Onward to Blockchain enlightenment!

Introduction of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies