1,150 research outputs found
A Non-Gaussian Option Pricing Model with Skew
Closed form option pricing formulae explaining skew and smile are obtained
within a parsimonious non-Gaussian framework. We extend the non-Gaussian option
pricing model of L. Borland (Quantitative Finance, {\bf 2}, 415-431, 2002) to
include volatility-stock correlations consistent with the leverage effect. A
generalized Black-Scholes partial differential equation for this model is
obtained, together with closed-form approximate solutions for the fair price of
a European call option. In certain limits, the standard Black-Scholes model is
recovered, as is the Constant Elasticity of Variance (CEV) model of Cox and
Ross. Alternative methods of solution to that model are thereby also discussed.
The model parameters are partially fit from empirical observations of the
distribution of the underlying. The option pricing model then predicts European
call prices which fit well to empirical market data over several maturities.Comment: 37 pages, 11 ps figures, minor changes, typos corrected, to appear in
Quantitative Financ
Sequential Design for Optimal Stopping Problems
We propose a new approach to solve optimal stopping problems via simulation.
Working within the backward dynamic programming/Snell envelope framework, we
augment the methodology of Longstaff-Schwartz that focuses on approximating the
stopping strategy. Namely, we introduce adaptive generation of the stochastic
grids anchoring the simulated sample paths of the underlying state process.
This allows for active learning of the classifiers partitioning the state space
into the continuation and stopping regions. To this end, we examine sequential
design schemes that adaptively place new design points close to the stopping
boundaries. We then discuss dynamic regression algorithms that can implement
such recursive estimation and local refinement of the classifiers. The new
algorithm is illustrated with a variety of numerical experiments, showing that
an order of magnitude savings in terms of design size can be achieved. We also
compare with existing benchmarks in the context of pricing multi-dimensional
Bermudan options.Comment: 24 page
Pricing of American Options
This thesis investigates the free boundary value problem of pricing American put options written on one underlying asset. In particular, attention is given to nd an accurate approximation of the critical ex- ercise boundary. The problem is approached using radial basis func- tions in the shape of Gaussian densities, and basis functions in the form of European put options. Furthermore, the domain is extended into the strike direction. Prices are computed for a range of strikes and maturities, and the critical strike prices are retrieved. Finally, the Merton Jump Diusion model is considered generating a partial integro dierential equation. Using Gaussian densities, prices and boundaries are computed on the extended domain
Calibration of Option Pricing in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space
A parameter used in the Black-Scholes equation, volatility, is a measure for variation of the price of a financial instrument over time. Determining volatility is a fundamental issue in the valuation of financial instruments. This gives rise to an inverse problem known as the calibration problem for option pricing. This problem is shown to be ill-posed. We propose a regularization method and reformulate our calibration problem as a problem of finding the local volatility in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. We defined a new volatility function which allows us to embrace both the financial and time factors of the options. We discuss the existence of the minimizer by using regu- larized reproducing kernel method and show that the regularizer resolves the numerical instability of the calibration problem. Finally, we apply our studied method to data sets of index options by simulation tests and discuss the empirical results obtained
The History of the Quantitative Methods in Finance Conference Series. 1992-2007
This report charts the history of the Quantitative Methods in Finance (QMF) conference from its beginning in 1993 to the 15th conference in 2007. It lists alphabetically the 1037 speakers who presented at all 15 conferences and the titles of their papers.
- …