This paper studies the factor structure of the cross-section of delta-hedged equity option returns. We find that a four-factor model explains the cross-section and time-series of equity option returns. Out of the four factors, three are characteristic based factors from the long-short option...

This paper examines the cross-section of CDS returns by forming CDS portfolios based on the implied volatility curves of equity options. We document that CDS protection seller positions earn higher average returns for: (i) firms with higher at-the-money implied volatility and (ii) firms with...

In the run-up to the ex-dividend day a measure based on option implied dividends predicts ex-day abnormal stock returns. These expected ex-dividend day returns increase on stocks where it is less worthwhile to capture the dividend, stocks that are less liquid, stocks with high idiosyncratic...

This paper breaks the correlation risk premium down into two components: a premium related to the correlation of continuous stock price movements and a premium for bearing the risk of co-jumps. We propose a novel way to identify both premiums based on dispersion trading strategies that go long...