Convexity correction arises when one computes the expected value of an interest rate index under a probability measure other than its own natural martingale measure. As a typical example, the natural martingale measure of the swap rate is the swap measure with annuity as the numeraire. However,...

We consider the saddlepoint approximation methods for pricing derivatives whose payoffs depend on the discrete realized variance of the underlying price process of a risky asset. Most of the earlier pricing models of variance products and volatility derivatives use the quadratic variation...

Most of the empirical studies on stochastic volatility dynamics favor the 3/2 specification over the square-root (CIR) process in the Heston model. In the context of option pricing, the 3/2 stochastic volatility model is reported to be able to capture the volatility skew evolution better than...

We consider the finite-time horizon dividend-ruin model where the firm pays out dividends to its shareholders according to a dividend-barrier strategy and becomes ruined when the firm's asset value falls below the default threshold. The asset value process is modeled as a restricted Geometric...

We construct the contingent claims models that price participating policies with rate guarantees and default risk. These policies are characterized by the sharing of profits from an investment portfolio between the insurer and the policyholders. A certain reserve distribution mechanism is...

We propose three analytic approximation methods for numerical valuation of the guaranteed annuity options in deferred annuity pension policies. The approximation methods include the stochastic duration approach, Edgeworth expansion, and analytic approximation in affine diffusions. The payoff...

The reload provision in an employee stock option is an option enhancement that allows the employee to pay the strike upon exercising the stock option using his owned stocks and to receive new "reload" stock options. The usual Black–Scholes risk neutral valuation approach may not be appropriate...

Assuming the absence of market frictions, deterministic interest rates, and certainty in dividend payouts from the stocks in the index basket, an arbitrageur can lock in the profit of a positive (negative) arbitrage basis in a stock index futures by adopting a short (long) futures strategy. In...

Several earlier theoretical studies on the optimal issuer's calling policy of a convertible bond suggest that the issuer should call the bond as soon as the conversion value exceeds the call price. However, empirical studies on actual cases of calling by convertible bond issuers reveal that...