This is the first study on the risk-neutral distribution of option returns. We derive solutions for the risk-neutral variance, skewness, and kurtosis of call and put option returns and document several properties of these ex-ante moments. We find that the volatility, skewness, and kurtosis of...

We propose a theoretically motivated and empirically robust factor model for option returns. The model consists of factors based on option illiquidity, option price, implied-minus-realized volatility, implied-minus-realized skewness, implied-minus-realized kurtosis, and the option market factor....

Replacing equity return (as in the equity risk premium) with returns on an arbitrary contingent claim, we obtain a new class of economic risk premiums to impose upon candidate models. These risk premiums reflect the distance between the physical and risk-neutral moments for asset returns, can be...

The Securities and Exchange Commission's 2008 emergency order introduced a shorting ban of some 800 financials traded in the US. This paper provides an empirical analysis of the options market around the ban period. Using transaction level data from OPRA (The Options Price Reporting Authority),...

The Securities and Exchange Commission's September 2008 emergency order introduced a near complete shorting ban of some 800 financials traded in the US. This paper provides an empirical analysis of the equity options market during the three months that include the duration of the ban. Using...