Implied Volatility of Leveraged ETF Options

Abstract

This paper studies the problem of understanding implied volatilities from options written on leveraged exchanged-traded funds (LETFs), with an emphasis on the relations between LETF options with different leverage ratios. We first examine from empirical data the implied volatility skews for LETF options based on the S&P 500. In order to enhance their comparison with non-leveraged ETFs, we introduce the concept of moneyness scaling and provide a new formula that links option implied volatilities between leveraged and unleveraged ETFs. Under a multiscale stochastic volatility framework, we apply asymptotic techniques to derive an approximation for both the LETF option price and implied volatility. The approximation formula reflects the role of the leverage ratio, and thus allows us to link implied volatilities of options on an ETF and its leveraged counterparts. We apply our result to quantify matches and mismatches in the level and slope of the implied volatility skews for various LETF options using data from the underlying ETF option prices. This reveals some apparent biases in the leverage implied by the market prices of different products, long and short with leverage ratios two times and three times.     

Empirical Evaluation of Hybrid Defaultable Bond Pricing Models

A four‐factor model (the extended model of Schmid and Zagst) is presented for pricing credit risk related instruments such as defaultable bonds or credit derivatives. It is an advancement of an earlier three‐factor model. In addition to a firm‐specific credit risk factor, a new systematic risk factor in the form of GDP growth rate is included. This new model is set in the context of other hybrid defaultable bond pricing models and empirically compared to specific representatives. We find that a model based only on firm‐specific variables is unable to capture changes in credit spreads completely. However, it is shown that in this model, market variables such as GDP growth rates, non‐defaultable interest rates and firm‐specific variables together significantly influence credit spread levels and changes.     

Pricing Defaultable Bonds in a Markov Modulated Market

We address the problem of pricing defaultable bonds in a Markov modulated market. Using Merton's structural approach we show that various types of defaultable bonds are combination of European type contingent claims. Thus pricing a defaultable bond is tantamount to pricing a contingent claim in a Markov modulated market. Since the market is incomplete, we use the method of quadratic hedging and minimal martingale measure to derive locally risk minimizing derivative prices, hedging strategies and the corresponding residual risks. The price of defaultable bonds are obtained as solutions to a system of PDEs with weak coupling subject to appropriate terminal and boundary conditions. We solve the system of PDEs numerically and carry out a numerical investigation for the defaultable bond prices. We compare their credit spreads with some of the existing models. We observe higher spreads in the Markov modulated market. We show how business cycles can be easily incorporated in the proposed framework. We demonstrate the impact on spreads of the inclusion of rare states that attempt to capture a tight liquidity situation. These states are characterized by low risk-free interest rate, high payout rate and high volatility.     

On the Approximation of the SABR Model: A Probabilistic Approach

Abstract

In this article, we derive a probabilistic approximation for three different versions of the SABR model: Normal, Log-Normal and a displaced diffusion version for the general case. Specifically, we focus on capturing the terminal distribution of the underlying process (conditional on the terminal volatility) to arrive at the implied volatilities of the corresponding European options for all strikes and maturities. Our resulting method allows us to work with a variety of parameters that cover the long-dated options and highly stress market condition. This is a different feature from other current approaches that rely on the assumption of very small total volatility and usually fail for longer than 10 years maturity or large volatility of volatility (Volvol).     

On the Approximation of the SABR with Mean Reversion Model: A Probabilistic Approach

Abstract

In this paper, we study the stochastic alpha beta rho with mean reversion model (SABR-MR). We first compare the SABR model with the SABR-MR model in terms of future volatility to point out the fundamental difference in the models’ dynamics. We then derive an efficient probabilistic approximation for the SABR-MR model to price European options. Similar to the method derived in Kennedy, J. E., Mitra, S., & Pham, D. (2012). On the approximation of the SABR model: A probabilistic approach. Applied Mathematical Finance, 19(6), 553–586., we focus on capturing the terminal distribution of the underlying asset (conditional on the terminal volatility) to arrive at the implied volatilities of the corresponding European options for all strikes and maturities. Our resulting method allows us to work with a wide range of parameters that cover the long-dated option and different market conditions.     

General dynamic term structures under default risk

We consider the problem of modelling the term structure of defaultable bonds, under minimal assumptions on the default time. In particular, we do not assume the existence of a default intensity and we therefore allow for the possibility of default at predictable times. It turns out that this requires the introduction of an additional term in the forward rate approach by Heath et al. (1992). This term is driven by a random measure encoding information about those times where default can happen with positive probability. In this framework, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a reference probability measure to be a local martingale measure for the large financial market of credit risky bonds, also considering general recovery schemes.     

Time-consistent mean–variance proportional reinsurance and investment problem in a defaultable market

In this paper, we consider an optimal time-consistent reinsurance-investment problem incorporating a defaultable security for a mean–variance insurer under a constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. In our model, the insurer’s surplus process is described by a jump-diffusion risk model, the insurer can purchase proportional reinsurance and invest in a financial market consisting of a risk-free asset, a defaultable bond and a risky asset whose price process is assumed to follow a CEV model. Using a game theoretic approach, we establish the extended Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman system for the post-default case and the pre-default case, respectively. Furthermore, we obtain the closed-from expressions for the time-consistent reinsurance-investment strategy and the corresponding value function in both cases. Finally, we provide numerical examples to illustrate the impacts of model parameters on the optimal time-consistent strategy.     

A fractional credit model with long range dependent default rate

Motivated by empirical evidence of long range dependence in macroeconomic variables like interest rates we propose a fractional Brownian motion driven model to describe the dynamics of the short and the default rate in a bond market. Aiming at results analogous to those for affine models we start with a bivariate fractional Vasicek model for short and default rate, which allows for fairly explicit calculations. We calculate the prices of corresponding defaultable zero-coupon bonds by invoking Wick calculus. Applying a Girsanov theorem we derive today’s prices of European calls and compare our results to the classical Brownian model.     

Multiscale Intensity Models for Single Name Credit Derivatives

We study the pricing of defaultable derivatives, such as bonds, bond options, and credit default swaps in the reduced form framework of intensity‐based models. We use regular and singular perturbation expansions on the intensity of default from which we derive approximations for the pricing functions of these derivatives. In particular, we assume an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process for the interest rate, and a two‐factor diffusion model for the intensity of default. The approximation allows for computational efficiency in calibrating the model. Finally, empirical evidence on the existence of multiple scales is presented by the calibration of the model on corporate yield curves.     

Stochastic differential equations with diffusion and jumps modeling currency markets

An efficient currency market with zero transaction costs is considered. The dynamics of the exchange rate in this market is described by stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with diffusion and jumps; the latter are assumed to be described by a Lévy process. Adjusting theoretical arbitrage-free option prices computed within these models to market option prices requires properly choosing the coefficients in the SDEs. For this purpose, an expression for local volatility in a diffusion model is found and a relation between local and implied volatilities is determined. For a market model with diffusion and jumps, expressions for the local volatility and the local rate function are given. Moreover, in Merton’s model, where the jump component is a compound Poisson process with normal jumps, a relation between the local and the implied volatilities is determined.     

多重可违约基金的定价

In this paper a generalized defaultable bond pricing formula is derived by assuming that there exists a defaultable forward rate term structure and that firms in the economy interact when default occurs. Generally,The risk-neutral default intensity χ^Q is not equal to the empirical or actual default intensity λ,. This paper proves that multiple default intensities are invari-ant under equivalent martingale transformation,given a well-diversified portfolio corresponding to the defaultable bond. Thus one can directly apply default intensities and fractional losses empirically estimated to the evaluation of defaultable bonds or contingent claims.     

Pricing stock and bond derivatives with a multi-factor Gaussian model

The martingale approach to pricing contingent claims can be applied in a multiple state variable model. The idea is used to derive the prices of derivative securities (futures on stock and bond futures, options on stocks, bonds and futures) given a continuous time Gaussian multi-factor model of the returns of stocks and bonds. The bond market is similar to Langetieg's multi-factor model, which has closed-form solutions. This model is a generalization of Vasicek's model, where the term structure depends on state variables following correlated mean reverting processes. The stock market is affected by systematic and unsystematic risk.     

On reduced-form intensity-based model with ‘trigger’ events

Corporate defaults may be triggered by some major market news or events such as financial crises or collapses of major banks or financial institutions. With a view to develop a more realistic model for credit risk analysis, we introduce a new type of reduced-form intensity-based model that can incorporate the impacts of both observable ‘trigger’ events and economic environment on corporate defaults. The key idea of the model is to augment a Cox process with ‘trigger’ events. Both single-default and multiple-default cases are considered in this paper. In the former case, a simple expression for the distribution of the default time is obtained. Applications of the proposed model to price defaultable bonds and multi-name Credit Default Swaps are provided.     

Impact of risk aversion and belief heterogeneity on trading of defaultable claims

This paper studies the problem of pricing and trading of defaultable claims among investors with heterogeneous risk preferences and market views. Based on the utility-indifference pricing methodology, we construct the bid-ask spreads for risk-averse buyers and sellers, and show that the spreads widen as risk aversion or trading volume increases. Moreover, we analyze the buyer’s optimal static trading position under various market settings, including (i) when the market pricing rule is linear, and (ii) when the counterparty—single or multiple sellers—may have different nonlinear pricing rules generated by risk aversion and belief heterogeneity. For defaultable bonds and credit default swaps, we provide explicit formulas for the optimal trading positions, and examine the combined effect of risk aversions and beliefs. In particular, we find that belief heterogeneity, rather than the difference in risk aversion, is crucial to trigger a trade.     

Analytical pricing of defaultable discrete coupon bonds in unified two-factor model of structural and reduced form models

Pricing formulae for defaultable corporate bonds with discrete coupons (under consideration of the government taxes) in the united two-factor model of structural and reduced form models are provided. The aim of this paper is to generalize the two-factor structural model for defaultable corporate discrete coupon bonds (considered in [1]) into the unified model of structural and reduced form models. In our model the bond holders receive the stochastic coupon (which is the discounted value of a predetermined value at the maturity) at predetermined coupon dates and the face value (debt) and the coupon at the maturity as well as the effect of government taxes which are paid on the proceeds of an investment in bonds is considered. The expected default event occurs when the equity value is not sufficient to pay coupon or debt at the coupon dates or maturity and the unexpected default event can occur at the first jump time of a Poisson process with the given default intensity provided by a step function of time variable. We provide the model and pricing formula for equity value and using it calculate expected default barrier. Then we provide pricing model and formula for defaultable corporate bonds with discrete coupons and consider its duration.     

Credit Derivatives Pricing Based on Lévy Field Driven Term Structure

We use Lévy random fields to model the term structure of forward default intensity, which allows to describe the contagion risks. We consider the pricing of credit derivatives, notably of defaultable bonds in our model. The main result is to prove the pricing kernel as the unique solution of a parabolic integro-differential equation by constructing a suitable contractible operator and then considering the limit case for an unbounded terminal condition. Finally, we illustrate the impact of contagious jump risks on the defaultable bond price by numerical examples.     

Option prices under stochastic volatility

The well known Heston model for stochastic volatility captures the reality of the motion of stock prices in our financial market. However, the solution of this model is expressed as integrals in the complex plane and has difficulties in numerical evaluation. Here, we present closed-form solutions for option prices and implied volatilities in terms of series expansions. We show that our theoretical predictions are in remarkably good agreement with numerical solutions of the Heston model of stochastic volatility.     

Implied Filtering Densities on the Hidden State of Stochastic Volatility

Abstract

We formulate and analyse an inverse problem using derivative prices to obtain an implied filtering density on volatility’s hidden state. Stochastic volatility is the unobserved state in a hidden Markov model (HMM) and can be tracked using Bayesian filtering. However, derivative data can be considered as conditional expectations that are already observed in the market, and which can be used as input to an inverse problem whose solution is an implied conditional density on volatility. Our analysis relies on a specification of the martingale change of measure, which we refer to as separability. This specification has a multiplicative component that behaves like a risk premium on volatility uncertainty in the market. When applied to SPX options data, the estimated model and implied densities produce variance-swap rates that are consistent with the VIX volatility index. The implied densities are relatively stable over time and pick up some of the monthly effects that occur due to the options’ expiration, indicating that the volatility-uncertainty premium could experience cyclic effects due to the maturity date of the options.     

可违约债券在随机波动率假定下近似定价公式的求解

在假设标的资产价格的波动率是一个快速均值回复OU过程的函数的条件下,导出相应的可违约债券价格公式所应满足的偏微分方程,并利用Taylor级数展开得到一组Poisson方程.求解这些方程,得到非完全市场下固定补偿率的债券价格的近似表达式,然后在不同的补偿率规定上作了一些修正和推广.