A numerical scheme to solve nonlinear bsdes with lipschitz and non-lipschitz coefficients

In this paper, we attempt to present a new numerical approach to solve non-linear backward stochastic differential equations. First, we present some definitions and theorems to obtain the conditions, from which we can approximate the non-linear term of the backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) and we get a continuous piecewise linear BSDE correspond with the original BSDE. We use the relationship between backward stochastic differential equations and stochastic controls by interpreting BSDEs as some stochastic optimal control problems, to solve the approximated BSDE and we prove that the approximated solution converges to the exact solution of the original non-linear BSDE in two different cases.     

The Mean-Variance Hedging of a Defaultable Option with Partial Information

Abstract

We consider the mean-variance hedging of a defaultable claim in a general stochastic volatility model. By introducing a new measure Q ⁰, we derive the martingale representation theorem with respect to the investors' filtration . We present an explicit form of the optimal-variance martingale measure by means of a stochastic Riccati equation (SRE). For a general contingent claim, we represent the optimal strategy and the optimal cost of the mean-variance hedging by means of another backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE). For the defaultable option, especially when there exists a random recovery rate we give an explicit form of the solution of the BSDE.     

Optimal mean–variance investment and reinsurance problem for an insurer with stochastic volatility

This paper considers an optimal investment and reinsurance problem for an insurer under the mean–variance criterion. The stochastic volatility of the stock price is modeled by a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) process. By applying a backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) approach, we obtain a BSDE related to the underlying investment and reinsurance problem. Then solving the BSDE leads to closed-form expressions for both the efficient frontier and the efficient strategy. In the end, numerical examples are presented to analyze the economic behavior of the efficient frontier.     

General Linear Quadratic Optimal Stochastic Control Problem Driven by a Brownian Motion and a Poisson Random Martingale Measure with Random Coefficients

In this article, we consider a linear-quadratic optimal control problem (LQ problem) for a controlled linear stochastic differential equation driven by a multidimensional Browinan motion and a Poisson random martingale measure in the general case, where the coefficients are allowed to be predictable processes or random matrices. By the duality technique, the dual characterization of the optimal control is derived by the optimality system (so-called stochastic Hamilton system), which turns out to be a linear fully coupled forward-backward stochastic differential equation with jumps. Using a decoupling technique, the connection between the stochastic Hamilton system and the associated Riccati equation is established. As a result, the state feedback representation is obtained for the optimal control. As the coefficients for the LQ problem are random, here, the associated Riccati equation is a highly nonlinear backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with jumps, where the generator depends on the unknown variables K, L, and H in a quadratic way (see (5.9) herein). For the case where the generator is bounded and is linearly dependent on the unknown martingale terms L and H, the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the associated Riccati equation are established by Bellman's principle of quasi-linearization.     

Optimal switching problems with an infinite set of modes: An approach by randomization and constrained backward SDEs

We address a general optimal switching problem over finite horizon for a stochastic system described by a differential equation driven by Brownian motion. The main novelty is the fact that we allow for infinitely many modes (or regimes, i.e. the possible values of the piecewise-constant control process). We allow all the given coefficients in the model to be path-dependent, that is, their value at any time depends on the past trajectory of the controlled system. The main aim is to introduce a suitable (scalar) backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE), with a constraint on the martingale part, that allows to give a probabilistic representation of the value function of the given problem. This is achieved by randomization of control, i.e. by introducing an auxiliary optimization problem which has the same value as the starting optimal switching problem and for which the desired BSDE representation is obtained. In comparison with the existing literature we do not rely on a system of reflected BSDE nor can we use the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation in our non-Markovian framework.     

The Minimal Entropy Martingale Measure and Numerical Option Pricing for the Barndorff–Nielsen–Shephard Stochastic Volatility Model

Abstract

We develop and apply a numerical scheme for pricing options in the stochastic volatility model proposed by Barndorff–Nielsen and Shephard. This non-Gaussian Ornstein–Uhlenbeck type of volatility model gives rise to an incomplete market, and we consider the option prices under the minimal entropy martingale measure. To numerically price options with respect to this risk neutral measure, one needs to consider a Black and Scholes type of partial differential equation, with an integro-term arising from the volatility process. We suggest finite difference schemes to solve this parabolic integro-partial differential equation, and derive appropriate boundary conditions for the finite difference method. As an application of our algorithm, we consider price deviations from the Black and Scholes formula for call options, and the implications of the stochastic volatility on the shape of the volatility smile.     

Optimal variational principle for backward stochastic control systems associated with Lévy processes

The paper is concerned with optimal control of backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) driven by Teugel’s martingales and an independent multi-dimensional Brownian motion,where Teugel’s martin- gales are a family of pairwise strongly orthonormal martingales associated with Lévy processes (see e.g.,Nualart and Schoutens’ paper in 2000).We derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the op- timal control by means of convex variation methods and duality techniques.As an application,the optimal control problem of linear backward stochastic differential equation with a quadratic cost criteria (or backward linear-quadratic problem,or BLQ problem for short) is discussed and characterized by a stochastic Hamilton system.     

Optimal Mean-Variance Investment-Reinsurance Strategy for a Dependent Risk Model with Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process

In this paper, we investigate the optimal investment-reinsurance strategy for an insurer with two dependent classes of insurance business, where the claim number processes are correlated through a common shock. It is assumed that the insurer can invest her wealth into one risk-free asset and multiple risky assets, and meanwhile, the instantaneous rates of investment return are stochastic and follow mean-reverting processes. Based on the theory of linear-quadratic control, we adopt a backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) approach to solve the mean-variance optimization problem. Explicit expressions for both the efficient strategy and efficient frontier are derived. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate our results.

     

Multi-dimensional BSDE with oblique reflection and optimal switching

In this paper, we study a multi-dimensional backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with oblique reflection, which is a BSDE reflected on the boundary of a special unbounded convex domain along an oblique direction, and which arises naturally in the study of optimal switching problem. The existence of the adapted solution is obtained by the penalization method, the monotone convergence, and the a priori estimates. The uniqueness is obtained by a verification method (the first component of any adapted solution is shown to be the vector value of a switching problem for BSDEs). As applications, we apply the above results to solve the optimal switching problem for stochastic differential equations of functional type, and we give also a probabilistic interpretation of the viscosity solution to a system of variational inequalities.     

Optimal investment-consumption and life insurance selection problem under inflation. A BSDE approach

We discuss an optimal investment, consumption and insurance problem of a wage earner under inflation. Assume a wage earner investing in a real money account and three asset prices, namely: a real zero-coupon bond, the inflation-linked real money account and a risky share described by jump-diffusion processes. Using the theory of quadratic-exponential backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with jumps approach, we derive the optimal strategy for the two typical utilities (exponential and power) and the value function is characterized as a solution of BSDE with jumps. Finally, we derive the explicit solutions for the optimal investment in both cases of exponential and power utility functions for a diffusion case.     

Dynamic convex duality in constrained utility maximization

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we study a constrained utility maximization problem following the convex duality approach. After formulating the primal and dual problems, we construct the necessary and sufficient conditions for both the primal and dual problems in terms of forward and backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) plus some additional conditions. Such formulation then allows us to explicitly characterize the primal optimal control as a function of the adjoint process coming from the dual FBSDEs in a dynamic fashion and vice versa. We also find that the optimal wealth process coincides with the adjoint process of the dual problem and vice versa. Finally we solve three constrained utility maximization problems, which contrasts the simplicity of the duality approach we propose and the technical complexity of solving the primal problem directly.     

Reflected BSDEs with nonpositive jumps,and controller-and-stopper games

We study a class of reflected backward stochastic differential equations with nonpositive jumps and upper barrier. Existence and uniqueness of a minimal solution are proved by a double penalization approach under regularity assumptions on the obstacle. In a suitable regime switching diffusion framework, we show the connection between our class of BSDEs and fully nonlinear variational inequalities. Our BSDE representation provides in particular a Feynman–Kac type formula for PDEs associated to general zero-sum stochastic differential controller-and-stopper games, where control affects both drift and diffusion term, and the diffusion coefficient can be degenerate. Moreover, we state a dual game formula of this BSDE minimal solution involving equivalent change of probability measures, and discount processes. This gives in particular a new representation for zero-sum stochastic differential controller-and-stopper games.     

The value of rolling-horizon policies for risk-averse hydro-thermal planning

We consider the optimal management of a hydro-thermal power system in the mid and long terms. From the optimization point of view, this amounts to a large-scale multistage stochastic linear program, often solved by combining sampling with decomposition algorithms, like stochastic dual dynamic programming. Such methodologies, however, may entail prohibitive computational time, especially when applied to a risk-averse formulation of the problem. We propose instead a risk-averse rolling-horizon policy that is nonanticipative, feasible, and time consistent. The policy is obtained by solving a sequence of risk-averse problems with deterministic constraints for the current time step and future chance and CVaR constraints.The considered hydro-thermal model takes into account losses resulting from run-of-river plants efficiencies as well as uncertain demand and streamflows. Constraints aim at satisfying demand while keeping reservoir levels above minzones almost surely. We show that if the problem uncertainty is represented by a periodic autoregressive stochastic process with lag one, then the probabilistic constraints can be computed explicitly. As a result, each one of the aforementioned risk-averse problems is a medium-size linear program, easy to solve.For a real-life power system we compare our approach with three alternative policies. Namely, a robust nonrolling-horizon policy and two risk-neutral policies obtained by stochastic dual dynamic programming, implemented in nonrolling- and rolling-horizon modes, respectively. Our numerical assessment confirms the superiority of the risk-averse rolling-horizon policy that yields comparable average indicators, but with reduced volatility and with substantially less computational effort.     

Backward SDEs with superquadratic growth

In this paper, we discuss the solvability of backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) with superquadratic generators. We first prove that given a superquadratic generator, there exists a bounded terminal value, such that the associated BSDE does not admit any bounded solution. On the other hand, we prove that if the superquadratic BSDE admits a bounded solution, then there exist infinitely many bounded solutions for this BSDE. Finally, we prove the existence of a solution for Markovian BSDEs where the terminal value is a bounded continuous function of a forward stochastic differential equation.     

Power utility maximization under partial information: Some convergence results

In this paper we consider the power utility maximization problem under partial information in a continuous semimartingale setting. Investors construct their strategies using the available information, which possibly may not even include the observation of the asset prices. Resorting to stochastic filtering, the problem is transformed into an equivalent one, which is formulated in terms of observable processes. The value process, related to the equivalent optimization problem, is then characterized as the unique bounded solution of a semimartingale backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE). This yields a unified characterization for the value process related to the power and exponential utility maximization problems, the latter arising as a particular case. The convergence of the corresponding optimal strategies is obtained by means of BSDEs. Finally, we study some particular cases where the value process admits an explicit expression.     

Two differential equation systems for equality-constrained optimization

This paper presents two differential systems, involving first and second order derivatives of problem functions, respectively, for solving equality-constrained optimization problems. Local minimizers to the optimization problems are proved to be asymptotically stable equilibrium points of the two differential systems. First, the Euler discrete schemes with constant stepsizes for the two differential systems are presented and their convergence theorems are demonstrated. Second, we construct algorithms in which directions are computed by these two systems and the stepsizes are generated by Armijo line search to solve the original equality-constrained optimization problem. The constructed algorithms and the Runge–Kutta method are employed to solve the Euler discrete schemes and the differential equation systems, respectively. We prove that the discrete scheme based on the differential equation system with the second order information has the locally quadratic convergence rate under the local Lipschitz condition. The numerical results given here show that Runge–Kutta method has better stability and higher precision and the numerical method based on the differential equation system with the second information is faster than the other one.     

Stochastic Optimal Control for the Stochastic Heat Equation with Exponentially Growing Coefficients and with Control and Noise on a Subdomain

Abstract

We consider stochastic optimal control problems in Banach spaces, related to nonlinear controlled equations with dissipative non linearities: on the nonlinear term we do not impose any growth condition. The problems are treated via the backward stochastic differential equations approach, that allows also to solve in mild sense Hamilton Jacobi Bellman equations in Banach spaces. We apply the results to controlled stochastic heat equation, in space dimension 1, with control and noise acting on a subdomain.     

Machine Learning Approximation Algorithms for High-Dimensional Fully Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations and Second-order Backward Stochastic Differential Equations

High-dimensional partial differential equations (PDEs) appear in a number of models from the financial industry, such as in derivative pricing models, credit valuation adjustment models, or portfolio optimization models. The PDEs in such applications are high-dimensional as the dimension corresponds to the number of financial assets in a portfolio. Moreover, such PDEs are often fully nonlinear due to the need to incorporate certain nonlinear phenomena in the model such as default risks, transaction costs, volatility uncertainty (Knightian uncertainty), or trading constraints in the model. Such high-dimensional fully nonlinear PDEs are exceedingly difficult to solve as the computational effort for standard approximation methods grows exponentially with the dimension. In this work, we propose a new method for solving high-dimensional fully nonlinear second-order PDEs. Our method can in particular be used to sample from high-dimensional nonlinear expectations. The method is based on (1) a connection between fully nonlinear second-order PDEs and second-order backward stochastic differential equations (2BSDEs), (2) a merged formulation of the PDE and the 2BSDE problem, (3) a temporal forward discretization of the 2BSDE and a spatial approximation via deep neural nets, and (4) a stochastic gradient descent-type optimization procedure. Numerical results obtained using TensorFlow in Python illustrate the efficiency and the accuracy of the method in the cases of a 100-dimensional Black–Scholes–Barenblatt equation, a 100-dimensional Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, and a nonlinear expectation of a 100-dimensional G-Brownian motion.

     

Stochastic optimization theory of backward stochastic differential equations with jumps and viscosity solutions of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations

In this paper we study stochastic optimal control problems with jumps with the help of the theory of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (BSDEs) with jumps. We generalize the results of Peng [S. Peng, BSDE and stochastic optimizations, in: J. Yan, S. Peng, S. Fang, L. Wu, Topics in Stochastic Analysis, Science Press, Beijing, 1997 (Chapter 2) (in Chinese)] by considering cost functionals defined by controlled BSDEs with jumps. The application of BSDE methods, in particular, the use of the notion of stochastic backward semigroups introduced by Peng in the above-mentioned work allows a straightforward proof of a dynamic programming principle for value functions associated with stochastic optimal control problems with jumps. We prove that the value functions are the viscosity solutions of the associated generalized Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations with integral-differential operators. For this proof, we adapt Peng’s BSDE approach, given in the above-mentioned reference, developed in the framework of stochastic control problems driven by Brownian motion to that of stochastic control problems driven by Brownian motion and Poisson random measure.     

Completeness of security markets and solvability of linear backward stochastic differential equations

For a standard Black-Scholes type security market, completeness is equivalent to the solvability of a linear backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE, for short). An ideal case is that the interest rate is bounded, there exists a bounded risk premium process, and the volatility matrix has certain surjectivity. In this case the corresponding BSDE has bounded coefficients and it is solvable leading to the completeness of the market. However, in general, the risk premium process and/or the interest rate could be unbounded. Then the corresponding BSDE will have unbounded coefficients. For this case, do we still have completeness of the market? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the solvability of BSDEs with possibly unbounded coefficients, which will result in the completeness of the corresponding market.