We consider two sequences of Markov chains inducing equivalent measures on the discrete path space. We establish conditions under which these two measures converge weakly to measures induced on the Wiener space by weak solutions of two SDEs, which are unique in the sense of probability law. We...

In this paper we use Malliavin calculus techniques to obtain an expression for the short-time behavior of the at-the-money implied volatility skew for a generalization of the Bates model, where the volatility does not need to be neither a difussion, nor a Markov process as the examples in...

In this paper we study volatility functions. Our main assumption is that the volatility is deterministic or stochastic but driven by a Brownian motion independent of the stock. We propose a forecasting method and check the consistency with option pricing theory. To estimate the unknown...

Leland’s approach to the hedging of derivatives under proportional transaction costs is based on an approximate replication of the European-type contingent claim V T using the classical Black–Scholes formula with a suitably enlarged volatility. The formal mathematical framework is a scheme...

The valuation theory for American Contingent Claims, due to Bensoussan (1984) and Karatzas (1988), is extended to deal with constraints on portfolio choice, including incomplete markets and borrowing/short-selling constraints, or with different interest rates for borrowing and lending. In the...

Leland’s approach to the hedging of derivatives under proportional transaction costs is based on an approximate replication of the European-type contingent claim V T using the classical Black–Scholes formula with a suitably enlarged volatility. The formal mathematical framework is a scheme...

This paper proposes a new explanation for the smile and skewness effects in implied volatilities. Starting from a microeconomic equilibrium approach, we develop a diffusion model for stock prices explicitly incorporating the technical demand induced by hedging strategies. This leads to a...

We document widespread violations of stochastic dominance in the one-month S&P 500 index options market over the period 1986-2002. These violations imply that a trader can improve her expected utility by engaging in a zero-net-cost trade. We allow the market to be incomplete and also imperfect...

The behaviour of limit order quotes and trading activity are studied using a unique and rich database that includes the identity of market participants from a fully automated derivatives market. The analysis is performed using transactions records for three aggregated trader types and three...

We document widespread violations of stochastic dominance in the one-month S&P 500 index options market over the period 1986-2002. These violations imply that a trader can improve her expected utility by engaging in a zero-net-cost trade. We allow the market to be incomplete and also imperfect...