In this paper, we introduce and develop the theory of semimartingale optimal transport in a path dependent setting. Instead of the classical constraints on marginal distributions, we consider a general framework of path dependent constraints. Duality results are established, representing the...

We propose robust numerical algorithms for pricing discrete variance options and volatility swaps under general time-changed Lèvy processes. Since analytic pricing formulas of these derivatives are not available, some of the earlier pricing methods use the quadratic variation approximation for...

We show that microstructure biases in the estimation of expected option returns and risk premia are large, in some cases over 50 basis points per day. We propose a new method that corrects for these biases. We then apply our method to real data and produce three main findings. First, the...

We performed a comprehensive analysis on the price bounds of CDO tranche options, and illustrated that the CDO tranche option prices can be effectively bounded by the joint distribution of default time (JDDT) from a default time copula. Systemic and idiosyncratic factors beyond the JDDT only...

I investigate the relation between option prices and daily stock return serial correlation. I demonstrate that the variance ratio, calculated as the ratio of realized to implied stock return variance, has both a contemporaneous and predictive relation with stock return serial correlation. The...

We study the information content of foreign exchange (FX) option volume using a unique dataset on over-the-counter FX options with disclosed counterparty identities and contract characteristics. Our study shows that FX option volume can predict future exchange rate returns, especially when the...

This paper investigates whether the overpricing of out-of-the money single stock calls can be explained by Tversky and Kahneman's (1992) cumulative prospect theory (CPT). We argue that these options are overpriced because investors overweight small probability events and overpay for such...

As a function of strike and time to maturity the implied volatility estimation is a challenging task in financial econometrics. Dynamic Semiparametric Factor Models (DSFM) are a model class that allows for the estimation of the implied volatility surface (IVS) in a dynamic context, employing...

The problem studied is the pricing of options on the CBOE Skew index. The option pricing theory developed seeks to hedge the risk using positions in the market for options on a related asset and the option is then priced at the cost of this hedge. The theory is applied to pricing VIX options...

All option trades must occur on exchanges, which typically offer auctions that improve prices over existing quotes. Wholesalers, that purchase orders from brokers, initiating auctions must be willing to trade at the existing best quote or better. For S&P500 stocks, auctions are 23% of options...