Derivatives pricing in energy markets: an infinite dimensional approach

Based on forward curves modelled as Hilbert-space valued processes, we analyse the pricing of various options relevant in energy markets. In particular, we connect empirical evidence about energy forward prices known from the literature to propose stochastic models. Forward prices can be represented as linear functions on a Hilbert space, and options can thus be viewed as derivatives on the whole curve. The value of these options are computed under various specifications, in addition to their deltas. In a second part, cross-commodity models are investigated, leading to a study of square integrable random variables with values in a "two-dimensional" Hilbert space. We analyse the covariance operator and representations of such variables, as well as presenting applications to pricing of spread and energy quanto options

Integration theory for infinite dimensional volatility modulated Volterra processes

We treat a stochastic integration theory for a class of Hilbert-valued, volatility-modulated, conditionally Gaussian Volterra processes. We apply techniques from Malliavin calculus to define this stochastic integration as a sum of a Skorohod integral, where the integrand is obtained by applying an operator to the original integrand, and a correction term involving the Malliavin derivative of the same altered integrand, integrated against the Lebesgue measure. The resulting integral satisfies many of the expected properties of a stochastic integral, including an It\^{o} formula. Moreover, we derive an alternative definition using a random-field approach and relate both concepts. We present examples related to fundamental solutions to partial differential equations.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.3150/15-BEJ696 in the Bernoulli (http://isi.cbs.nl/bernoulli/) by the International Statistical Institute/Bernoulli Society (http://isi.cbs.nl/BS/bshome.htm

Levy process simulation by stochastic step functions

We study a Monte Carlo algorithm for simulation of probability distributions based on stochastic step functions, and compare to the traditional Metropolis/Hastings method. Unlike the latter, the step function algorithm can produce an uncorrelated Markov chain. We apply this method to the simulation of Levy processes, for which simulation of uncorrelated jumps are essential. We perform numerical tests consisting of simulation from probability distributions, as well as simulation of Levy process paths. The Levy processes include a jump-diffusion with a Gaussian Levy measure, as well as jump-diffusion approximations of the infinite activity NIG and CGMY processes. To increase efficiency of the step function method, and to decrease correlations in the Metropolis/Hastings method, we introduce adaptive hybrid algorithms which employ uncorrelated draws from an adaptive discrete distribution defined on a space of subdivisions of the Levy measure space. The nonzero correlations in Metropolis/Hastings simulations result in heavy tails for the Levy process distribution at any fixed time. This problem is eliminated in the step function approach. In each case of the Gaussian, NIG and CGMY processes, we compare the distribution at t=1 with exact results and note the superiority of the step function approach.Comment: 20 pages, 18 figure