A New Algorithm for Monte Carlo for American Options

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 91B28, 65C05.We consider the valuation of American options using Monte Carlo simulation, and propose a new technique which involves approximating the optimal exercise boundary. Our method involves splitting the boundary into a linear term and a Fourier series and using stochastic optimization in the form of a relaxation method to calculate the coefficients in the series. The cost function used is the expected value of the option using the the current estimate of the location of the boundary. We present some sample results and compare our results to other methods

Using Monte Carlo Methods to Evaluate Sub-Optimal Exercise Policies for American Options

∗This research, which was funded by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, formed part of G.A.’s Ph.D. thesis [1].In this paper we use a Monte Carlo scheme to find the returns that an uninformed investor might expect from an American option if he followed one of several näıve exercise strategies rather than the optimal exercise strategy. We consider several such strategies that an ill-advised investor might follow. We also consider how the expected return is affected by how often the investor checks to see if his exercise criteria have been met

Critical Layer Analysis of Stuart Vortices in a Plane Jet

Asymptotic techniques are used to model quasi-steady-state vortices in the plane (Bickley) inviscid jet. A nonlinear critical layer analysis is used to find a family of steady-state finite amplitude two-dimensional vortices which are based on the Stuart vortex

Some Nonlinear Vortex Solutions

We consider the steady-state two-dimensional motion of an inviscid incompressible fluid which obeys a nonlinear Poisson equation. By seeking solutions of a specific form, we arrive at some interesting new nonlinear vortex solutions

On the optimal exercise boundary for an American put option

An American put option is a derivative financial instrument that gives its holder the right but not the obligation to sell an underlying security at a pre-determined price. American options may be exercised at any time prior to expiry at the discretion of the holder, and the decision as to whether or not to exercise leads to a free boundary problem. In this paper, we examine the behavior of the free boundary close to expiry. Working directly with the underlying PDE, by using asymptotic expansions, we are able to deduce this behavior of the boundary in this limit

Asymptotic analysis of American call options

American call options are financial derivatives that give the holder the right but not the obligation to buy an underlying security at a pre-determined price. They differ from European options in that they may be exercised at any time prior to their expiration, rather than only at expiration. Their value is described by the Black-Scholes PDE together with a constraint that arises from the possibility of early exercise. This leads to a free boundary problem for the optimal exercise boundary, which determines whether or not it is beneficial for the holder to exercise the option prior to expiration. However, an exact solution cannot be found, and therefore by using asymptotic techniques employed in the study of boundary layers in fluid mechanics, we find an asymptotic expression for the location of the optimal exercise boundary and the value of the option near to expiration

On the optimal exercise boundary for an American put option

An American put option is a derivative financial instrument that gives its holder the right but not the obligation to sell an underlying security at a pre-determined price. American options may be exercised at any time prior to expiry at the discretion of the holder, and the decision as to whether or not to exercise leads to a free boundary problem. In this paper, we examine the behavior of the free boundary close to expiry. Working directly with the underlying PDE, by using asymptotic expansions, we are able to deduce this behavior of the boundary in this limit

On the optimal exercise boundary for an American put option

An American put option is a derivative financial instrument that gives its holder the right but not the obligation to sell an underlying security at a pre-determined price. American options may be exercised at any time prior to expiry at the discretion of the holder, and the decision as to whether or not to exercise leads to a free boundary problem. In this paper, we examine the behavior of the free boundary close to expiry. Working directly with the underlying PDE, by using asymptotic expansions, we are able to deduce this behavior of the boundary in this limit