From Man vs. Machine to Man + Machine: The Art and AI of Stock Analyses *

An AI analyst trained to digest corporate disclosures, industry trends, and macroeconomic indicators surpasses most analysts in stock return predictions. Nevertheless, humans win “Man vs. Machine” when institutional knowledge is crucial, e.g., involving intangible assets and financial distress. AI wins when information is transparent but voluminous. Humans provide significant incremental value in “Man + Machine,” which also substantially reduces extreme errors. Analysts catch up with machines after “alternative data” become available if their employers build AI capabilities. Documented synergies between humans and machines inform how humans can leverage their advantage for better adaptation to the growing AI prowess.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, FinTech, Stock Analyst, Alternative Data, Disruptive Innovation

JEL Classification: G11, G12, G14, G31, M41

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Cao, Sean S. and Jiang, Wei and Wang, Junbo L. and Yang, Baozhong, From Man vs. Machine to Man + Machine: The Art and AI of Stock Analyses * (May 5, 2021). Journal of Financial Economics forthcoming; Columbia Business School Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3840538. or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3840538