Predictable Dynamics in Implied Volatility Surfaces from OTC Currency Options

Recent empirical studies report predictable dynamics in the volatility surfaces implied by observed index option prices, as prescribed by general equilibrium models. Using an extensive data set from the over-the-counter options market, we document similar predictability in the factors that capture the daily variation of surfaces implied by options on 25 different foreign exchange rates. We proceed to demonstrate that simple vector autoregressive specifications for the factors can help produce accurate out-of-sample forecasts of the systematic component of the surface at short horizons. Profitable delta-hedged positions can be set up based on these forecasts; however profits disappear when typical transaction costs are taken into account and when trading rules on wide segments of the surface are sought