Correcting for Simulation Bias in Monte Carlo Methods to Value Exotic Options in Models Driven by Levy Processes

Levy processes can be used to model asset return's distributions. Monte Carlo methods must frequently be used to value path dependent options in these models, but Monte Carlo methods can be prone to considerable simulation bias when valuing options with continuous reset conditions. This paper shows how to correct for this bias for a range of options by generating a sample from the extremes distribution of the Levy process on subintervals. The method uses variance-gamma and normal inverse Gaussian processes. The method gives considerable reductions in bias, so that it becomes feasible to apply variance reduction methods. The method seems to be a very fruitful approach in a framework in which many options do not have analytical solutions.