Generalized additive models (GAM) are multivariate nonparametric regressions for non-Gaussian responses including binary and count data. We propose a spline-backfitted kernel (SBK) estimator for the component functions. Our results are for weakly dependent data and we prove oracle efficiency....

Many of the concepts in theoretical and empirical finance developed over the past decades - including the classical portfolio theory, the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model or the RiskMetrics variance-covariance approach to VaR - rest upon the assumption that asset returns follow a normal...

This chapter deals with the estimation of risk neutral distributions for pricing index options resulting from the hypothesis of the risk neutral valuation principle. After justifying this hypothesis, we shall focus on parametric estimation methods for the risk neutral density functions...