This paper improves continuous-time variance swap approximation formulas to derive exact returns on benchmark VIX option portfolios. The new methodology preserves the variance swap interpretation that decomposes returns into realized variance and option implied-variance.We apply this new...

When a sequence of decision makers with private information announce public predictions, initial conformity can create an information cascade in which all future decision makers will rationally match the early announcements and disregard private information. This study uses event-related...

When a sequence of decision makers with private information announce public predictions, initial conformity can create an information cascade in which all future decision makers will rationally match the early announcements and disregard private information. This study uses event-related...

This paper develops a new method to calculate hedged returns on model-free “equity VIX” option portfolios. Our returns are highly correlated with realized variance minus implied variance. Compared to CBOE’s VIX formula, our formulas are more accurate for both simulated and actual prices,...

This paper investigates the performance of option investments across different stocks by computing monthly returns on at-the-money straddles on individual equities. It finds that options with high historical returns continue to significantly outperform options with low historical returns over...