In this paper we explore ways that alleviate problems of nonparametric (artificial neural networks) and parametric option pricing models by combining the two. The resulting enhanced network model is compared to standard artificial neural networks and to parametric models with several historical...

In this paper we capture the implied distribution from option market data using a non-recombining (binary) tree, allowing the local volatility to be a function of the underlying asset and of time. The problem under consideration is a non-convex optimization problem with linear constraints. We...

We provide a real options framework for the analysis of product development that incorporates research and exploration actions, product attribute value-enhancing actions with uncertain outcome, as well as preemption and innovation options. We derive two-stage analytic formulas and propose a...

A contingent claims model is used to study the impact of debt-financing constraints on firm value, optimal capital structure, the timing of investment and other variables, such as credit spreads. The optimal investment trigger follows a U shape as a function of exogenously imposed constraint....

We show that the entry of a second firm in a horizontally differentiated market (ala Hotelling) may harm consumers as prices increase and consumer's surplus possibly decrease. We first derive the price and the consumer's surplus of a monopoly which is located at the center of the market. When a...

We examine the price decisions in a vertically differentiated duopoly where the decision to buy a good depends not only upon the intrinsic utility from consuming it but also upon the social attributes (prestige, uniqueness etc) associated with its consumption. These social attributes are...

In a duopoly model of horizontal and vertical differentiation, where consumers are ex-ante unaware of product qualities, we study the firms' incentives to signal quality via prices. Consumers, after they observe prices, can evaluate a firm's product quality before purchase if they incur a search...

Matched-model price indexes generally overestimate quality-adjusted prices, because the price/performance ratio of models sold in consecutive periods is worse than that of new models. This "unrepresentativeness" of the sample potentially might be reduced by obtaining higher-frequency data, thus...