We conduct an empirical evaluation of a static super-replicating hedge of barrier options. The hedge is robust to uncertainty about the future skew. Using almost seven years of current data on the DAX, we evaluate the performance of the hedge and compare it with those of both a dynamic and a...

We use a reflection result to give simple proofs of (well-known) valuation formulas and static hedge portfolio constructions for zero-rebate single-barrier options in the Black-Scholes model. We then illustrate how to extend the ideas to other model types giving (at least) easy-to-program...

We discuss the application of gradient methods to calibrate mean reverting stochastic volatility models. For this we use formulas based on Girsanov transformations as well as a modification of the Bismut-Elworthy formula to compute the derivatives of certain option prices with respect to the...

In this paper we capture the implied distribution from option market data using a non-recombining (binary) tree, allowing the local volatility to be a function of the underlying asset and of time. The problem under consideration is a non-convex optimization problem with linear constraints. We...

We study the valuation of callable barrier reverse convertible contracts written on one or two underlying asset prices. We assume the issuer of the contract can call early redemption at any time during a pre-specified time interval. We identify the optimal redemption policy and show, in the...

We present a new and general technique for obtaining closed-form expansions for prices of options in the Heston model, in terms of Black-Scholes prices and Black-Scholes Greeks up to arbitrary order. We then apply the technique to solve, in detail, the cases for the second-order and third-order...

It is known that Heston's stochastic volatility model exhibits moment explosion, and that the critical moment s+ can be obtained by solving (numerically) a simple equation. This yields a leading-order expansion for the implied volatility at large strikes: σBS(k, T)2T ∼ Ψ(s+ - 1) × k (Roger...

Given an investor maximizing utility from terminal wealth with respect to a power utility function, we present a verification result for portfolio problems with stochastic volatility. Applying this result, we solve the portfolio problem for Heston's stochastic volatility model. We find that only...

We introduce a new microstructure noise index for financial data. This index, the computation of which is based on the p-variations of the considered asset or rate at different time scales, can be interpreted in terms of Besov smoothness spaces. We study the behavior of our new index using...