Quantization meets Fourier: a new technology for pricing options

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a novel pricing methodology for a broad class of models for which the characteristic function of the log-asset price can be efficiently computed. The method is based on a new quantization procedure, crucially exploiting for the first time the Fourier transform of the asset process, which fully characterizes the distribution of the log-asset. As opposed to previous quantizations based on Euler (or more sophisticated) discretization schemes, our method reveals to be fast and accurate, to the point that it is possible to calibrate the models on real data. Moreover, our approach allows to price options in multi factor stochastic volatility models including jumps. As a motivating example, we calibrate a Tempered Stable model on market data. This represents the first application of quantization to a pure jump process.