The calibration of option pricing models leads to the minimization of an error functional. We show that its usual specification as a root mean squared error implies fluctuating exotics prices and possibly wrong prices. We propose a simple and natural method to overcome these problems, illustrate...

Mellin transforms in option pricing theory were introduced by Panini and Srivastav (2004). In this contribution, we generalize their results to European power options. We derive Black-Scholes-Merton-like valuation formulas for European power put options using Mellin transforms. Thereafter, we...

We extend a framework based on Mellin transforms and show how to modify the approach to value American call options on dividend paying stocks. We present a new integral equation to determine the price of an American call option and its free boundary using modi ed Mellin transforms. We also show...

In this article we evaluate the pricing performance of the rather simple but revolutionary Black-Scholes model and one of the more complex techniques (neural networks) on the European-style S&P Index call and put options over the period of 1.6.2006 till 8.6.2007. Our results on call options show...

This paper explores the application of contingent claims analysis (CCA) to two quot;hotquot; issues in life-cycle finance: (1) investing for retirement and (2) deciding when, if ever, to switch careers. Participants in individual retirement accounts do not have the time or the knowledge to make...

With the celebrated model of Black and Scholes in 1973 the development of modern option pricing models started. One of the assumptions of the Black and Scholes model is that the risky asset evolves according to a geometric Brownian motion which implies normally distributed log-returns. As...

In this paper we consider the optimal stopping problem for general dynamic monetary utility functionals. Sufficient conditions for the Bellman principle and the existence of optimal stopping times are provided. Particular attention is payed to representations which allow for a numerical...

This paper studies polar sets of anisotropic Gaussian random elds, i.e. sets which a Gaussian random eld does not hit almost surely. The main assumptions are that the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix are bounded from below and that the canonical metric associated with the Gaussian random eld...

We present a closed form solution to the perpetual American double barrier call option problem in a model driven by Brownian motion and a compound Poisson process with exponential jumps. The method of proof is based on reducing the inital irregular optimal stopping problem to an...

We present solutions to some discounted optimal stopping problems for the maximum process in a model driven by a Brownian motion and a compound Poisson process with exponential jumps. The method of proof is based on reducing the initial problems to integro-differential free-boundary problems...