A linear programming algorithm for optimal portfolio selection with transaction costs

We study the optimal portfolio selection problem with transaction costs. In general, the efficient frontier can be determined by solving a parametric non-quadratic programming problem. In a general setting, the transaction cost is a V-shaped function of difference between the existing and the new portfolio. We show how to transform this problem into a quadratic programming model. Hence a linear programming algorithm is applicable by establishing a linear approximation on the utility function of return and variance.