by Matthew Bailey Greenberg, Ng Hin Wah. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-62). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter II. --- CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND WARRANTS --- p.3 / ConvertIBle Bonds --- p.3 / Value At Maturity --- p.5 / Value Before Maturity --- p.6 / Warrants --- p.8 / The Difference Between Convertible Bonds and Warrants --- p.11 / Considerations of Issuing Convertibles and Bond with Warrants --- p.13 / Valuation of Convertible Bond --- p.15 / Valuation of Warrants --- p.18 / Chapter III. --- CALLABLE BONDS --- p.20 / Performance Characteristics of Callable Bonds --- p.21 / Valuation of a Two-year Callable Bond with the Salomon Brothers Model --- p.22 / Valuation of a Three-year Callable Bond with the Salomon Brothers Model --- p.25 / Step1: Determination of ru and rd --- p.27 / "Step 2: Determination of ruu, rud and rdd " --- p.28 / "Black, Derman & Toy Model (BDT) " --- p.30 / Step 1: Determination of ru and rd --- p.31 / "Step 2: Determination of ruu, rud and rdd " --- p.32 / Chapter IV. --- SINKING-FUND BONDS --- p.37 / Advantages for the Investor --- p.38 / Disadvantages for the Investor --- p.38 / Methods Used by Issuers for Early Bond Redemption --- p.39 / Valuation of Non-callable Sinking Fund Bonds --- p.40 / Valuation of Callable Sinking Fund Bond --- p.45 / Chapter V. --- VALUATION OF A CALLABLE BOND BY A COMPUTERIZED PROGRAM… --- p.47 / System requirements --- p.48 / Opening the program file --- p.48 / Manual for using the program --- p.48 / Construction of Interest Rate Tree --- p.48 / Valuation of a Callable Bond --- p.50 / APPENDIX --- p.55 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.61

Guan, Peiqiu. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-71). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1 --- Characteristic Function --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Definition --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Inverse Fourier Transform --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- Levy Processes --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Definition --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Levy-Khinchine Formula --- p.15 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Levy Processes in Finance --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3 --- Exotic Options --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Barrier Options --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Lookback Options --- p.19 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Asian Options --- p.20 / Chapter 3 --- FFT Network Model --- p.23 / Chapter 3.1 --- Weaknesses of Traditional Tree Approaches --- p.24 / Chapter 3.2 --- FFT Network Model --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3 --- Basic Transition Probability Matrix --- p.31 / Chapter 3.4 --- Basic FFT Network Pricing Algorithm --- p.35 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Plain Vanilla Options --- p.35 / Chapter 4 --- FFT Network for Exotic Options --- p.38 / Chapter 4.1 --- Barrier Option Pricing --- p.38 / Chapter 4.2 --- Forward Shooting Grid --- p.41 / Chapter 4.3 --- FSG in FFT Network --- p.43 / Chapter 4.4 --- Lookback and Knock-in Options --- p.45 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- American Lookback Option Pricing Algorithm --- p.48 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Knock-in American Option Pricing Algorithm --- p.50 / Chapter 4.5 --- Asian Option Pricing --- p.51 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Asian Option Pricing Algorithm --- p.54 / Chapter 5 --- Numerical Implementation --- p.57 / Chapter 5.1 --- Numerical Scheme --- p.57 / Chapter 5.2 --- Numerical Result --- p.60 / Chapter 6 --- Conclusion --- p.65 / Bibliography --- p.67

Wu, Tao. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-61). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Background and Organization --- p.7 / Chapter 2 --- Parallel Talbot method for solving partial integro- differential equations --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- Initial-boundary value problem --- p.11 / Chapter 2.3 --- Spatial discretization and semidiscrete problem --- p.12 / Chapter 2.4 --- Parallel Talbot method --- p.15 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Φ-functions and Talbot quadrature --- p.15 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Control on nonnormality and feasibility con- straints --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Optimal parameterization of parabolic Talbot contour --- p.22 / Chapter 2.5 --- Numerical experiments --- p.26 / Chapter 2.6 --- Conclusion --- p.32 / Chapter 3 --- Memory-reduction Monte Carlo method for pricing American options --- p.37 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2 --- Exponential Levy processes and the full-storage method --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3 --- Random number generators --- p.41 / Chapter 3.4 --- The memory-reduction method --- p.43 / Chapter 3.5 --- Numerical examples --- p.45 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Black-Scholes model --- p.46 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Merton's jump-diffusion model --- p.48 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Variance gamma model --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Remarks on the efficiency of the memory-reduction method --- p.52 / Chapter 3.6 --- Conclusion --- p.53 / Chapter 3.7 --- Appendix --- p.54

Cheng, Ping. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-96). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Accumulator in a Nutshell --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Criticism over Accumulators --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Significance of Research over Accumulators --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Contribution of this Research --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Literature Review --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Literature on Option Pricing Theory --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Literature on Occupation Time Derivatives and Accumulators --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Accumulators as Occupation Time Deriva- tives --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3 --- Structure of this Thesis --- p.16 / Chapter 2 --- Theoretical Foundation --- p.17 / Chapter 2.1 --- Black Scholes Framework --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- The Model --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Girsanov's Theorem --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Simulation --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2 --- Heston Framework --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Motivation to Extend to Heston Model --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- The Model --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- The Monte Carlo Method --- p.25 / Chapter 3 --- Pricing under Black-Scholes Framework --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1 --- Structure One (Suspension Feature) --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Introduction --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Model --- p.32 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Sensitivity Tests --- p.35 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Simulation Results --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2 --- Structure Two (Knock-out Feature) --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Model --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Sensitivity Tests --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Simulation Results --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3 --- Structure Three (Knock-out & Double Commit- ment Feature) --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Introduction --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Model --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Sensitivity Tests --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Simulation Results --- p.58 / Chapter 4 --- Extension: Pricing under Heston Framework --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1 --- Structure One --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Pricing of the Contract --- p.59 / Chapter 4.2 --- Structure Two and Three --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Simulation Results --- p.62 / Chapter 4.3 --- Heston Parameters Estimates --- p.63 / Chapter 5 --- Discussion --- p.66 / Chapter 5.1 --- Volatility of Accumulators --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2 --- Instability in the Model Parameters --- p.69 / Chapter 5.3 --- Premium over Accumulators --- p.71 / Chapter 5.4 --- Return of the Accumulator Products --- p.72 / Chapter 6 --- Future Work & Conclusion --- p.75 / Chapter 6.1 --- Future Work --- p.75 / Chapter 6.2 --- Conclusion --- p.76 / Chapter A --- Other Parameters Estimation --- p.77 / Chapter B --- Sample Contracts --- p.80 / Chapter B.1 --- Equity Accumulator --- p.80 / Chapter B.2 --- Commodity Accumulator --- p.80 / Chapter B.3 --- FX-Linked Accumulation --- p.80 / Bibliography --- p.91

This thesis considers the effect of stochastic skew in the interest rate cap and currency option markets, where we observe obvious stochastic variation of skew of implied volatility curve over time. To develop option pricing models consistent with empirical evidence, we adopt the Wishart process to model both stochastic volatility and stochastic skew of the asset return and to price options in both markets. As an affine model, the model is analytically tractable. Some distributional properties of the models are studied. The key feature of our model is that, when compared with the multi-factor Heston model, which generates stochastic skew through its volatility processes, the Wishart process contains not only volatility processes, but also volatility-unrelated processes which provide extra freedom to model the variation of skew that is not captured by the volatility processes. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the Wishart model has greater flexibility to model stochastic skew than the multi-factor Heston model in both the interest rate cap market and currency option market. Finally, results of calibration to market data and model estimation demonstrate the superiority of the Wishart model to the multi-factor Heston model in the interest rate cap market. / Ng, Hon Yip. / Advisers: Kwai-Sun Leung; Duan Li. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-09(E), Section: A. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-98). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest dissertations and theses, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

This thesis examines the empirical performance of four Affine Jump Diffusion models in pricing and hedging S&P 500 Index options: the Black Scholes (BS) model, Heston???s Stochastic Volatility (SV) model, a Stochastic Volatility Price Jump (SVJ) model and a Stochastic Volatility Price-Volatility Jump (SVJJ) model. The SVJJ model structure allows for simultaneous jumps in price and volatility processes, with correlated jump size distributions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first empirical study to test the hedging performance of the SVJJ model. As part of our research we derive the SVJJ model minimum variance hedge ratio. We find the SVJ model displays the best price prediction. The SV model lacks the structural complexity to eliminate Black Scholes pricing biases, whereas our results indicate the SVJJ model suffers from overfitting. Despite significant evidence from in and out-of-sample pricing that the SV and SVJ models were better specified than the BS model, this did not result in an improvement in dynamic hedging performance. Overall the BS delta hedge and SV minimum variance hedge produced the lowest errors, although their performance across moneyness-maturity categories differed greatly. The SVJ model???s results were surprisingly poor given its superior performance in out-of-sample pricing. We attribute the inadequate performance of the jump models to the lower hedging ratios these models provided, which may be a result of the negative expected jump sizes.

University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology / Department of Mathematics

Real options have been widely applied to analyze investment planning and asset valuation under uncertainty in many industries, especially energy markets. Because of their close analogy to financial options, real options can be valued using the classical financial option pricing theories and their extensions. However, as real options valuation often involves complex payoff structures and operational constraints of the underlying real assets or projects, accurate and flexible methods for solving the valuation problem are essential. This thesis investigates three different approaches to real options valuation and contributes to aspects of modeling realism and computational efficiency. The contributions are illustrated through two important applications of real options in energy markets: natural gas storage and power plant valuation. Because spread options are commonly used in basic real options valuation techniques, the first part of the thesis addresses the problems of spread option pricing and hedging. We develop a new closed-form approximation method for pricing two-asset spread options. Numerical analysis shows that our method is more accurate than existing analytical approximations. Our method is also extremely fast, with computing time more than two orders of magnitude shorter than one-dimensional numerical integration. Closed-form approximations for the Greeks of spread options are also developed. In addition, we analyze the price sensitivities of spread options and provide lower and upper bounds for digital spread options. We then further generalize the above results to multi-asset spread options on an arbitrary number of assets. We provide two new closed-form approximation methods for pricing spread options on a basket of risky assets: the extended Kirk approximation and the second-order boundary approximation. Numerical analysis shows that both methods are extremely fast and accurate, with the latter method more accurate than the former. Closed-form approximations for important Greeks are also derived. Because our approximation methods enable the accurate pricing of a bulk volume of spread options on two or more assets in real time, it offers traders a potential edge in a dynamic market environment. In the third part of this thesis, we propose a market-based valuation framework for valuing natural gas storage facility with realistic operational characteristics. The operational process is modeled as a multi-stage stochastic optimization problem. We develop a Gaussian quadrature scheme to solve for the dynamically optimal spot trading strategy and show that the computational efficiency of this method exceeds existing approaches in about two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, with this flexible quadrature scheme, we propose to value a gas storage based on a novel hybrid trading strategy that successfully incorporates both spot and forward trading, thus improving the storage valuation significantly by accounting for both the inter-month and intra-month operational flexibilities and price volatility. In the fourth part of this work, we develop a continuous-time formulation for power plant valuation in infinite time horizon. We propose a real-option-based model for a power plant to account for the embedded operational flexibility. This model incorporates start-up and shut-down costs as two major operational constraints. Under this continuous valuation model, spark spread is modeled directly as a continuous stochastic process to take account of the long term co-integration relationship between electricity and fuel prices. Instead of discretizing the stochastic process, we preserve continuity of the stochastic spark spread process and work directly with the value function. Closed-form of value function under threshold policy is obtained. The corresponding optimal operational strategy can then be solved. The advantage of this approach is that it reduces computational complexity while incorporates major operation characteristics. It enables fast computation of a power plant value that approximates the real market value and sensitivity analysis of the asset value with respect to the cost parameters of a power plant and the distribution parameters of spark spread.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2000. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-116). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D)--Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. / Committee Chair: Kleywegt, Anton J.; Committee Member: Ayhan, Hayriye; Committee Member: Dai, Jim; Committee Member: Erera, Alan; Committee Member: Ward, Amy R. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.