Solving Free Boundary Problems With Applications In Finance

Outlines and explains a recent computational method that solves free boundary problems by reducing them into a sequence of fixed boundary problems which are relatively easy to solve numerically.

This book collects refereed lectures and communications presented at the Free Boundary Problems Conference (FBP2005). These discuss the mathematics of a broad class of models and problems involving nonlinear partial differential equations arising in physics, engineering, biology and finance. Among other topics, the talks considered free boundary problems in biomedicine, in porous media, in thermodynamic modeling, in fluid mechanics, in image processing, in financial mathematics or in computations for inter-scale problems.

This book discloses a fascinating connection between optimal stopping problems in probability and free-boundary problems. It focuses on key examples and the theory of optimal stopping is exposed at its basic principles in discrete and continuous time covering martingale and Markovian methods. Methods of solution explained range from change of time, space, and measure, to more recent ones such as local time-space calculus and nonlinear integral equations. A chapter on stochastic processes makes the material more accessible. The book will appeal to those wishing to master stochastic calculus via fundamental examples. Areas of application include financial mathematics, financial engineering, and mathematical statistics.

This book is mainly devoted to finite difference numerical methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) models of pricing a wide variety of financial derivative securities. With this objective, the book is divided into two main parts. In the first part, after an introduction concerning the basics on derivative securities, the authors explain how to establish the adequate PDE boundary value problems for different sets of derivative products (vanilla and exotic options, and interest rate derivatives). For many option problems, the analytic solutions are also derived with details. The second part is devoted to explaining and analyzing the application of finite differences techniques to the financial models stated in the first part of the book. For this, the authors recall some basics on finite difference methods, initial boundary value problems, and (having in view financial products with early exercise feature) linear complementarity and free boundary problems. In each chapter, the techniques related to these mathematical and numerical subjects are applied to a wide variety of financial products. This is a textbook for graduate students following a mathematical finance program as well as a valuable reference for those researchers working in numerical methods in financial derivatives. For this new edition, the book has been updated throughout with many new problems added. More details about numerical methods for some options, for example, Asian options with discrete sampling, are provided and the proof of solution-uniqueness of derivative security problems and the complete stability analysis of numerical methods for two-dimensional problems are added. Review of first edition: “...the book is highly well designed and structured as a textbook for graduate students following a mathematical finance program, which includes Black-Scholes dynamic hedging methodology to price financial derivatives. Also, it is a very valuable reference for those researchers working in numerical methods in financial derivatives, either with a more financial or mathematical background." -- MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

Presenting state-of-the-art methods in the area, the book begins with a presentation of weak discrete time approximations of jump-diffusion stochastic differential equations for derivatives pricing and risk measurement. Using a moving least squares reconstruction, a numerical approach is then developed that allows for the construction of arbitrage-free surfaces. Free boundary problems are considered next, with particular focus on stochastic impulse control problems that arise when the cost of control includes a fixed cost, common in financial applications. The text proceeds with the development of a fear index based on equity option surfaces, allowing for the measurement of overall fear levels in the market. The problem of American option pricing is considered next, applying simulation methods combined with regression techniques and discussing convergence properties. Changing focus to integral transform methods, a variety of option pricing problems are considered. The COS method is practically applied for the pricing of options under uncertain volatility, a method developed by the authors that relies on the dynamic programming principle and Fourier cosine series expansions. Efficient approximation methods are next developed for the application of the fast Fourier transform for option pricing under multifactor affine models with stochastic volatility and jumps. Following this, fast and accurate pricing techniques are showcased for the pricing of credit derivative contracts with discrete monitoring based on the Wiener-Hopf factorisation. With an energy theme, a recombining pentanomial lattice is developed for the pricing of gas swing contracts under regime switching dynamics. The book concludes with a linear and nonlinear review of the arbitrage-free parity theory for the CDS and bond markets.

Few financial mathematical books have discussed mathematically acceptable boundary conditions for the degenerate diffusion equations in finance. In The Time-Discrete Method of Lines for Options and Bonds, Gunter H Meyer examines PDE models for financial derivatives and shows where the Fichera theory requires the pricing equation at degenerate boundary points, and what modifications of it lead to acceptable tangential boundary conditions at non-degenerate points on computational boundaries when no financial data are available. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out with the method of lines to examine the influence of the finite computational domain and of the chosen boundary conditions on option and bond prices in one and two dimensions, reflecting multiple assets, stochastic volatility, jump diffusion and uncertain parameters. Special emphasis is given to early exercise boundaries, prices and their derivatives near expiration. Detailed graphs and tables are included which may serve as benchmark data for solutions found with competing numerical methods. Contents:Comments on the Pricing Equations in FinanceThe Method of Lines (MOL) for the Diffusion EquationThe Riccati Transformation Method for Linear Two Point Boundary Value ProblemsEuropean OptionsAmerican Puts and CallsBonds and Options for One-Factor Interest Rate ModelsTwo-Dimensional Diffusion Problems in Finance Readership: Advanced mathematics and quantitative finance graduates, researchers, and practising financial pracitioners. Key Features:No other book discusses mathematically acceptable boundary conditions for the degenerate diffusion equations in financeThis book emphasizes on numerical early exercise boundaries and solutions near expirationIt presents extensive numerical data against which the results from competing numerical methods can be comparedKeywords:Options;Bonds;PDE Formulation;Numerical Solution;Method of Lines;Stochastic Volatility;Jump Diffusion;Uncertain Parameters

This proceedings volume gathers selected, peer-reviewed papers from the "Modern Methods, Problems and Applications of Operator Theory and Harmonic Analysis VIII" (OTHA 2018) conference, which was held in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in April 2018. The book covers a diverse range of topics in advanced mathematics, including harmonic analysis, functional analysis, operator theory, function theory, differential equations and fractional analysis – all fields that have been intensively developed in recent decades. Direct and inverse problems arising in mathematical physics are studied and new methods for solving them are presented. Complex multiparameter objects that require the involvement of operators with variable parameters and functional spaces, with fractional and even variable exponents, make these approaches all the more relevant. Given its scope, the book will especially benefit researchers with an interest in new trends in harmonic analysis and operator theory, though it will also appeal to graduate students seeking new and intriguing topics for further investigation.

Detailed guidance on the mathematics behind equity derivatives Problems and Solutions in Mathematical Finance Volume II is an innovative reference for quantitative practitioners and students, providing guidance through a range of mathematical problems encountered in the finance industry. This volume focuses solely on equity derivatives problems, beginning with basic problems in derivatives securities before moving on to more advanced applications, including the construction of volatility surfaces to price exotic options. By providing a methodology for solving theoretical and practical problems, whilst explaining the limitations of financial models, this book helps readers to develop the skills they need to advance their careers. The text covers a wide range of derivatives pricing, such as European, American, Asian, Barrier and other exotic options. Extensive appendices provide a summary of important formulae from calculus, theory of probability, and differential equations, for the convenience of readers. As Volume II of the four-volume Problems and Solutions in Mathematical Finance series, this book provides clear explanation of the mathematics behind equity derivatives, in order to help readers gain a deeper understanding of their mechanics and a firmer grasp of the calculations. Review the fundamentals of equity derivatives Work through problems from basic securities to advanced exotics pricing Examine numerical methods and detailed derivations of closed-form solutions Utilise formulae for probability, differential equations, and more Mathematical finance relies on mathematical models, numerical methods, computational algorithms and simulations to make trading, hedging, and investment decisions. For the practitioners and graduate students of quantitative finance, Problems and Solutions in Mathematical Finance Volume II provides essential guidance principally towards the subject of equity derivatives.