An inference method, called latent backfitting is proposed. It appears well suited for econometric models where the structural relationships of interest define the observed endogenous variables as a known function of unobserved state variables and unknown parameters. This nonlinear state space...

In this paper, we survey some of the recent nonparametric estimation methods which were developed to price derivative contracts. We focus on equity options and start with a so-called model-free approach which incolves very little financial theory. Next we discuss nonparametric and...