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Volatility-of-volatility and the cross-section of option returns

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  • Ruan, Xinfeng

Abstract

This paper presents a robust new finding of a significant negative relation between equity option returns and the volatility-of-volatility (VOV). After controlling for numerous existing option and stock characteristics, the VOV effect remains significantly negative. It also survives many robustness checks. A conceptual model provided reveals the pricing mechanism behind the VOV effect. The high-low return spread on option portfolios sorted on VOV cannot be explained by standard risk factors, and survives double sorting using a variety of control variables.

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  • Ruan, Xinfeng, 2020. "Volatility-of-volatility and the cross-section of option returns," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finmar:v:48:y:2020:i:c:s1386418118300818
    DOI: 10.1016/j.finmar.2019.03.002
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    2. Yusuf Olatunji Oyedeko & Olusola Segun Kolawole & Isah Ibrahim & Olena Zharikova, 2023. "Risk-Return Relationship in the Nigerian Stock Market: Comparative between Fama-French Five-Factor Model and Higher Moment Fama-French Five-Factor Model," Oblik i finansi, Institute of Accounting and Finance, issue 1, pages 68-78, March.
    3. Xianfei Hui & Baiqing Sun & Hui Jiang & Indranil SenGupta, 2021. "Analysis of stock index with a generalized BN-S model: an approach based on machine learning and fuzzy parameters," Papers 2101.08984, arXiv.org, revised Feb 2022.
    4. Albers, Stefan, 2023. "The fear of fear in the US stock market: Changing characteristics of the VVIX," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 55(PA).
    5. Bevilacqua, Mattia & Tunaru, Radu & Vioto, Davide, 2023. "Options-based systemic risk, financial distress, and macroeconomic downturns," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    6. Amit Goyal & Alessio Saretto, 2022. "Are Equity Option Returns Abnormal? IPCA Says No," Working Papers 2214, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
    7. Betton, Sandra & El Meslmani, Nabil & Switzer, Lorne N., 2022. "Volatility of implied volatility and mergers and acquisitions," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Volatility-of-volatility; Option returns; Cross-section;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing

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