Linguistic Z-number weighted averaging operators and their application to portfolio selection problem

Z-numbers can generate a more flexible structure to model the real information because of capturing expert’s reliability. Moreover, various semantics can flexibly be reflected by linguistic terms under various circumstances. Thus, this study aims to model the portfolio selection problems based on aggregation operators under linguistic Z-number environment. Therefore, a multi-stage methodology is proposed and linguistic Z-numbers are applied to describe the assessment information. Moreover, the weighted averaging (WA) aggregation operator, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) aggregation operator and the hybrid weighted averaging (HWA) aggregation operator are developed to fuse the input arguments under the linguistic Z-number environment. Then, using the max-score rule and the score-accuracy trade-off rule, three qualitative portfolio models are presented to allocate the optimal assets. These models are suitable for general investors and risky investors. Finally, to illustrate the validity of the proposed qualitative approach, a real case including 20 corporations of Tehran stock exchange market in Iran is provided and the obtained results are analyzed. The results show that combining linguistic Z-numbers with portfolio selection processes can increase the tendencies and capabilities of investors in the capital market and it helps them manage their portfolios efficiently.