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 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 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 propose a modification of the option pricing framework derived by Borland which removes the possibilities for arbitrage within this framework. It turns out that such arbitrage possibilities arise due to an incorrect derivation of the martingale transformation in the non-Gaussian option models...

We model the volatility of a single risky asset using a multifactor (matrix) Wishart affine process, recently introduced in finance by Gourieroux and Sufana. As in standard Duffie and Kan affine models the pricing problem can be solved through the Fast Fourier Transform of Carr and Madan. A...

The present paper addresses the problem of computing implied volatilities of options written on a domestic asset based on implied volatilities of options on the same asset expressed in a foreign currency and the exchange rate. It proposes an original method together with explicit formulae to...

We report on the adequacy of using Sato processes to value equity structured products. In models used to price options on realized variance, the latter must be a random variable with a positive variance. An analysis of this variance of realized variance for Sato processes shows that these...