Investment in the stock market requires decision-making and access to infor-mation on the future of the stock market. Given the importance of predicting stock returns, the present study aimed to discover the variables and indices that could predict stock returns. The prediction of stock returns has long been a 'hot topic' in advanced countries. While effective steps have been taken in this regard, the accu-rate prediction of stock returns remains a problem due to numerous issues. In this study, an accurate, applicable, and effective model was proposed for the predic-tion of stock returns. The statistical sample included 138 active companies of Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) during 2008-2017, which were selected by the systematic removal method. In total, 1,380 data years were selected for the re-search to evaluate the questions. Data analysis was performed using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), multi-gene genetic programming, and regression analysis. In addition, statistical tests were applied to evaluate the accu-racy of the model, implemented by MATLAB and GeneXproTools. According to the results, the hybrid metaheuristic method had a lower error rate compared to artificial neural network and regression analysis in terms of stock return predic-tion. Therefore, the proposed model could provide more accurate data within a shorter time to predict the stock market status since it makes predictions after selecting the most optimal input variables through ANFIS.
