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Reading the Smile: The Message Conveyed by Methods which Infer Risk Neutral Densities

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Rockinger

    (GREGH - Groupement de Recherche et d'Etudes en Gestion à HEC - HEC Paris - Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Eric Jondeau

Abstract

In this study, we compare the quality and information content of risk neutral densities obtained by various methods. We consider a non-parametric method based on a mixture of log-normal densities, the semi-parametric ones based on an Hermite approximation or based on an Edgeworth expansion, the parametric approach of Malz which assumes a jump-diffusion for the underlying process, and Heston's approach assuming a stochastic volatility model. We apply those models on FF/DM exchange rate options for two dates. Models differ when important news hits the market (here anticipated elections). The non-parametric model provides a good fit to options prices but is unable to provide as much information about market participants expectations than the jump-diffusion model.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Rockinger & Eric Jondeau, 1997. "Reading the Smile: The Message Conveyed by Methods which Infer Risk Neutral Densities," Working Papers hal-00601591, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00601591
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Exchange rate option; Risk neutral density; Option pricing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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