We examine whether the option market leads the stock market with respect to positive in addition to negative price discovery. We document that out-of-themoney (OTM) option prices, which determine the Risk-Neutral Skewness (RNS) of the underlying stock return's distribution, can embed positive...

I develop a noisy rational expectations equilibrium model with a continuum of states and a full set of options that render the market complete. I show a major difference in equilibrium behaviour between models with constant absolute risk aversion (CARA) and non-CARA preferences. First, when...

This paper introduces a new technique to infer the risk-neutral probability distribution of an asset from the prices of options on this asset. The technique is based on using the trading volume of each option as a proxy of the informativeness of the option. Not requiring the implied probability...

We extend the benchmark nonlinear deterministic volatility regression functions of Dumas et al. (1998) to provide a semi-parametric method where an enhancement of the implied parameter values is used in the parametric option pricing models. Besides volatility, skewness and kurtosis of the asset...

We propose a mean-reverting electricity spot price model of arithmetic jump-diffusion type yielding positive prices. Based on this approach, we derive the corresponding forward and futures price representations. We further discuss different choices for the stochastic mean level process and...

We propose a pure jump precipitation model embedded in an enlarged filtration framework accounting for weather forecasts. Under different anticipative approaches, we define precipitation swap/futures prices and also introduce the notion of an ‘information premium'. In contrast to other models...

Motivated by the theory of demand-based option pricing in imperfect markets, we examine the relation between short-sale constraints and equity option returns, conditional on the level of mis-pricing in the underlying stock. We report a monotonic relation between various measures of short-sales...

In this paper, we derive a closed-form explicit model-free formula for the (Black-Scholes) implied volatility. The method is based on the novel use of the Dirac Delta function, corresponding delta families, and the change of variable technique. The formula is expressed through either a limit or...

This paper examines the empirical literature on individual equity options, discussing results in areas of consensus, showing findings in areas of disagreement and providing a guide for future research (especially highlighting analyses that cannot be performed with index options). Key topics...

Our results suggest, selling SPY strangles are generally profitable across a variety of widths. However, the payoff profile of a short option strangle exposes the contract seller to a potential for unlimited losses. Our evidence on maximum draw-downs indicates that losses on some positions can...