ELS Hedging Method based on CVaR Using Stocks Portfolio and Futures

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the hedging risk intrinsic in the auto call step down equity linked securities (ELS) based on two underlying indices including HSCEI, which are major products of the ELS market. And we also propose new hedging strategies based on Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) using stocks portfolio and futures. Due to the non-symmetric bimodal distribution for return of ELS, which comes from the Knock-In (KI) property inherent in step down ELS structure, and inherent shortfall risk in the ELS structure, a local delta hedging strategy has a limit. In addition, hedging using futures are difficult because of 1) frequent roll-over related with HSCEI futures, 2) price difference between underlying index and futures and 3) lack of futures liquidity caused by excessive ELS issue based on HSCEI. As a way to manage these problems, this paper proposes new hedging strategies : First, construct stocks portfolio tracking index using method suggested by Rockafellar and Uryasev (2002), Alexander, Coleman and Li (2006). Second, do hedging by using this stocks portfolio and futures. This paper shows that 1) index-tracking stocks portfolio based on CVaR has a better performance and lower shortfall risk than index by comparing market ratio, information ratio and Sharpe Ratio, and 2) hedging using stocks portfolio is better than futures. As the policy proposals, if ETF, which tracks the underlying indices of ELS based on CVaR, is to be listed on the exchange (KRX), various kinds of product structures for mid-risk-mid-return structured products will be able to develop further, as well as offer more convenience with hedging.