The first three factors resulting from a principal components analysis of term structure data are in the literature typically interpreted as driving the level, slope and curvature of the term structure. Using slight generalisations of theorems from total positivity, we present sufficient...

We compare single factor Markov-functional and multi factor market models for hedging performance of Bermudan swaptions. We show that hedging performance of both models is comparable, thereby supporting the claim that Bermudan swaptions can be adequately risk-managed with single factor models....

We address two empirical issues related to the long end of the yield curve based on euro swap rates. First, for maturities longer than 20 years we find evidence for an `excess' downward slope that cannot be explained by convexity. Second, volatility at the very long end of the yield curve is...

We propose an approach to find an approximate price of a swaption in Affine Term Structure Models. Our approach is based on the derivation of approximate dynamics in which the volatility of the Forward Swap Rate is itself an affine function of the factors. Hence we remain in the affine framework...

In this paper we empirically analyze and compare the Libor and Swap Market Models, developed by Brace, Gatarek and Musiela (1997) and Jamshidian (1997), using panel data on prices of US caplets and swaptions. A Libor Market Model can directly be calibrated to observed prices of caplets, whereas...

We introduce a general class of interest rate models in which the value of pure discount bonds can be expressed as a functional of some (low-dimensional) Markov process. At the abstract level this class includes all current models of practical importance. By specifying these models in...

We introduce a general class of interest rate models in which the value of pure discount bonds can be expressed as a functional of some (low-dimensional) Markov process. At the abstract level this class includes all current models of practical importance. By specifying these models in...

In this paper we address the pricing of double barrier options. To derive the density function of the first-hit times of the barriers, we analytically invert the Laplace transform by contour integration. With these barrier densities, we derive pricing formulae for new types of barrier options:...

In this paper we show that contrary to the claim made in Longstaff, Santa-Clara, and Schwartz (2000a) and Longstaff, Santa-Clara, and Schwartz (2000b) discrete string models are not more parsimonious than market models. In fact, they are found to be observationally equivalent. We derived that...

In this paper we show that discrete string models are observationally equivalent to market models. Furthermore, the parsimony of the models is investigated and determined. As a consequence of the observational equivalence we show that discrete string models are a special case of the HJM...