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The Path Integral Approach to Financial Modeling and Options Pricing

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  • Linetsky, Vadim

Abstract

In this paper we review some applications of the path integral methodology of quantum mechanics to financial modeling and options pricing. A path integral is defined as a limit of the sequence of finite-dimensional integrals, in much the same way as the Riemannian integral is defined as a limit of the sequence of finite sums. The risk-neutral valuation formula for path-dependent options contingent upon multiple underlying assets admits an elegant representation in terms of path integrals (Feynman-Kac formula). The path integral representation of transition probability density (Green's function) explicitly satisfies the diffusion PDE. Gaussian path integrals admit a closed-form solution given by the Van Vleck formula. Analytical approximations are obtained by means of the semiclassical (moments) expansion. Difficult path integrals are computed by numerical procedures, such as Monte Carlo simulation or deterministic discretization schemes. Several examples of path-dependent options are treated to illustrate the theory (weighted Asian options, floating barrier options, and barrier options with ladder-like barriers). Citation Copyright 1998 by Kluwer Academic Publishers.

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  • Linetsky, Vadim, 1998. "The Path Integral Approach to Financial Modeling and Options Pricing," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 11(1-2), pages 129-163, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:compec:v:11:y:1998:i:1-2:p:129-63
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    Cited by:

    1. Cassagnes, Aurelien & Chen, Yu & Ohashi, Hirotada, 2014. "Path integral pricing of Wasabi option in the Black–Scholes model," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 413(C), pages 1-10.
    2. Zura Kakushadze, 2014. "Path Integral and Asset Pricing," Papers 1410.1611, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2016.
    3. Andrew Matacz, 2000. "Path dependent option pricing: the path integral partial averaging method," Science & Finance (CFM) working paper archive 500034, Science & Finance, Capital Fund Management.
    4. C. Atkinson & S. Kazantzaki, 2009. "Double knock-out Asian barrier options which widen or contract as they approach maturity," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(3), pages 329-340.
    5. Gao, Tingting & Chen, Yu, 2017. "A quantum anharmonic oscillator model for the stock market," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 468(C), pages 307-314.
    6. Contreras, Mauricio & Pellicer, Rely & Villena, Marcelo, 2017. "Dynamic optimization and its relation to classical and quantum constrained systems," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 479(C), pages 12-25.
    7. Andrew Matacz, 2000. "Path Dependent Option Pricing: the path integral partial averaging method," Papers cond-mat/0005319, arXiv.org.
    8. Antonie Kotzé & Rudolf Oosthuizen & Edson Pindza, 2015. "Implied and Local Volatility Surfaces for South African Index and Foreign Exchange Options," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-40, January.
    9. Lemmens, D. & Liang, L.Z.J. & Tempere, J. & De Schepper, A., 2010. "Pricing bounds for discrete arithmetic Asian options under Lévy models," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 389(22), pages 5193-5207.
    10. Zhang, Kun & Liu, Jing & Wang, Erkang & Wang, Jin, 2017. "Quantifying risks with exact analytical solutions of derivative pricing distribution," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 471(C), pages 757-766.
    11. Bustamante, M. & Contreras, M., 2016. "Multi-asset Black–Scholes model as a variable second class constrained dynamical system," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 457(C), pages 540-572.
    12. Devreese, J.P.A. & Lemmens, D. & Tempere, J., 2010. "Path integral approach to Asian options in the Black–Scholes model," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 389(4), pages 780-788.
    13. Cassagnes, Aurelien & Chen, Yu & Ohashi, Hirotada, 2014. "Path integral pricing of outside barrier Asian options," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 394(C), pages 266-276.
    14. Baaquie, Belal E. & Corianò, Claudio & Srikant, Marakani, 2004. "Hamiltonian and potentials in derivative pricing models: exact results and lattice simulations," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 334(3), pages 531-557.

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