We dissect the impact of information contained for future asset returns in the implied volatility skew. Future returns are linked to the discrepancy between call and put volatilities of at-the-money options and to the left side of the volatility skew, calculated as the difference between...

Using the risk-neutral volatility and skewness computed from options on the S&P500, we show there is an asymmetric contemporaneous relation between stock returns and changes in implied market volatility and skewness. Changes in expected market volatility and skewness are cross-sectionally priced...

Corporate-level fraudulent activity has instilled a state of concern and heightened awareness in investors, the media and employees alike as perceived sensitivity to illegal behavior continues to increase. With corporate giants such as Enron, Tyco and Health South being prime examples of this...

This paper presents a parsimonious, implementable model for the estimation of the short-and long-term expected rates of return on the S&P 500 stock market Index. Sufficient statistics for the expected return on the S&P 500 Index consist of the risk-free rate of interest, the option market's...

This study investigates if changes in risk-neutral systematic volatility, skewness, and kurtosis, are priced, either symmetrically or asymmetrically, as systematic risk factors in the cross-section of stock returns. The moments are constructed using options on the S&P 500, and represent...

While insurers manage underwriting risk with various methods including reinsurance, insurers increasingly manage asset risk with options, futures, and other derivatives. Previous research shows that buyers of portfolio insurance pay considerably for downside protection. We add to this literature...

Turmoil and uncertainty confront firms when they are named as defendants in class action lawsuits. In this article, we consider whether option markets interpret the implications of these dramatic corporate events for mid-to-long term performance. In particular, we consider relatively simple,...

We study the perceived discrepancy between power conference and mid-major college football teams by examining outcomes of games when these teams face one another. We find that point spreads are set statistically irrationally in games where power conference teams play mid-major teams. We examine...