In this survey we discuss models with level-dependent and stochastic volatility from the viewpoint of derivative asset analysis. Both classes of models are generalisations of the classical Black-Scholes model; they have been developed in an effort to build models that are flexible enough to cope...

The lognormal distribution assumption for the term structure of interest is the most natural way to exclude negative spot and forward rates. However, imposing this assumption on the continuously compounded interest rate has a serious drawback: rates explode and expected rollover returns are...

The present paper analyses a broad range of one- and multifactor models of the term structure of interest rates. We assess the influence of the number of factors, mean reversion, and the factor probability distributions on the term structure shapes the models generate, and use spread options as...

A term structure model with lognormal type volatility structure is proposed. The Heath, Jarrow and Morton (HJM) framework, coupled with the theory of stochastic evolution equations in infinite dimensions, is used to show that the resulting rates are well defined (they do not explode) and remain...

Standard derivative pricing theory is based on the assumption of the market for the underlying asset being infinitely elastic. We relax this hypothesis and study if and how a large agent whose trades move prices can replicate the payoff of a derivative contract. Our analysis extends a prior work...

Viewing binomial models as a discrete approximation of the respective continuous models, the interest focuses on the notions of convergence and especially "fast" convergence of prices. Though many authors were proposing new models, none of them could successfully explain better performance for...

In this paper we analyze in what way the demand generated by dynamic hedging strategies affects the equilibrium prices of the underlying asset. We derive an explicit expression for the transformation of market volatility under the impact of hedging. It turns out that market volatility increases...

Binomial models, which rebuild the continuous setup in the limit, serve for approximative valuation of options, especially where formulas cannot be derived mathematically. Even with the valuation of European call options distorting irregularities occur. For this case, sources of convergence...

We derive a unified model which gives closed form solutions for caps and floors written on interest rates as well as puts and calls written on zero-coupon bonds. The crucial assumption is that forward rates with a compounding period that matches the contract, which we want to price, is...

We deal with the valuration and hedging of non path-dependent European options on one or several underlyings in a model of an international economy which allows for both interest rate and exchange rate risk. Using martingale theory we provide a unified and easily applicable approach to pricing...