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1998 Quantitative Finance Research Papers
  1. Heath, D., Platen, E. and Schweizer, M., "Comparison of Some Key Approches to Hedging in Incomplete Markets", December 1998.

    Abstract:

    The paper provides a numerical comparison of local risk minimisation and mean-variance hedging for some key variations of stochastic volatility models. A hedging and pricing framework is established for both approaches. Important quantitative differences become apparent that have implications for the implementation of hedging strategies under stochastic volatility.
  2. Clewlow, L. and Strickland, C., "Pricing Interest Rate Exotics in Multi-Factor Gaussian Interest Rate Models", December 1998.

    Abstract:

    For many interest rate exotic options, for example options on the slope of the yield curve or American featured options, a one factor assumption for term structure evolution is inappropriate. These options derive their value from changes in the slope or cuvature of the yield curve and hence are more realistically priced with multiple factor models. However, efficient construction of short rate trees becomes computationally intractable as we increase the number of factors and in particular as we move to non-Markovian models.

    In this paper we describe a general framework for pricing a wide range of interest rate exotic options under a very general family of multi-factor Gaussian interest rate models. Our framework is based on a computationally efficient implementation of Monte Carlo integration utilising analytical approximations as control variates. These techniques extend the analysis of Clewlow, Pang and Strickland [1997] for pricing interest rate caps and swaptions.
  3. Hall, A. D., Kofman, P. and Guido, R., "Limits to Linear Price Behaviour: Target Zones for Futures Prices Regulated By Limits", December 1998.

    Abstract:

    This paper analyzes the random walk behaviour of futures prices when the exchange regulated by price limits. Using a model analogous to exchange rate target zone models, the study tests for the existence of a nonlinear S-shape relation between observed and theoretical futures prices. This phenomenon reflects the adjustment in traders' expectations even when limits are not actually hit. The approach is illustrated for five agricultural futures contracts traded at the Chicago Board of Trade. There is some evidence of nonlinearity in quiet periods. In cases of fundamental realignments, that is volatile periods, this non-liearity disappears.