We investigate the effect of including variance derivatives as calibration and hedging instruments for pricing and hedging exotic structures. This is studied empirically using market data for SPX and VIX derivatives applied in a stochastic volatility jump diffusion model

We develop an equilibrium pricing model aimed at explaining observed characteristics in equity returns, VIX futures and VIX options data. To derive our model we first specify a general framework based on affine jump-diffusive state-dynamics and representative agent endowed with Duffie-Epstein...

Speculators who wish to bet on higher future volatility often purchase options to “go long volatility.” Should investors who buy options expect to profit when realized volatility increases? If so, under what conditions? To answer these questions, we conduct an analysis of the relationship...

We develop approximate formulae expressed in terms of elementary functions for the density, the price and the Greeks of path dependent options of Asian style, in a general local volatility model. An algorithm for computing higher order approximations is provided. The proof is based on a heat...

We show that a dynamic model of investment and capital structure choices, where the firm faces real and financial frictions, can generate option prices and implied volatilities that are in line with those of the average optionable stock. As the balance between the fundamental economic forces...

Option prices embed predictive content for the outcomes of pending mergers and acquisitions. This is particularly important in merger arbitrage, where deal failure is a key risk. In this paper, I propose a dynamic asset pricing model that exploits the joint information in target stock and option...

We analyse the profit-and-loss (P&L) of delta-hedging strategies for vanilla options in the presence of the implied volatility skew and derive an approximation for the P&L under the quadratic parametrization of the implied volatility. We apply this approximation to study the P&L of a straddle, a...

An enhanced option pricing framework that makes use of both continuous and discontinuous time paths based on a geometric Brownian motion and Poisson-driven jump processes respectively is performed in order to better fit with real-observed stock price paths while maintaining the analytical...

U.S. exchange-traded stock options are exercisable before expiration. While put options should frequently be exercised early to earn interest, they are not. In this paper, we explain an early exercise decision rule and then examine actual exercise behavior during the period January 1996 through...

We first discuss the positive volatility skew observed in the implied volatilities of VIX options. To model this feature, we apply the square root stochastic variance model with variance jumps for the evolution of the S&P500 index volatility. Then we develop a robust method for unified pricing...