Zero-coupon Bond Research Articles

Pricing a Defaultable Zero-Coupon Bond under Imperfect Information and Regime Switching

We propose a pricing formula for a defaultable zero-coupon bond with imperfect information under a regime switching model using a structural form of credit risk modelling. This paper provides explicit representations of risky debt under regime switching with a constant interest rate and risky debt under regime switching with a regime switching interest rate. While the value of the firm’s equity is observed continuously, we assume that the total value of the firm is only observed at discrete times, such as the dates of the release of the firm’s annual reports, or quarterly reports. This uncertainty about the true value of the firm results in credit spreads that do not approach zero as the debt approaches maturity, which is a problem with many structural models. The firm’s value is typically decomposed into its equity and debt; however, we consider the asset–to–equity ratio, an accounting ratio used to examine a firm’s financial well-being. The parameters in our model are regime switching, where the regime can be thought of as the state of the economy. A Markov chain with a constant transition rate matrix produces the regime switching.

Approximate Closed-Form Solutions for Pricing Zero-Coupon Bonds in the Zero Lower Bound Framework

Approximate Closed-Form Solutions for Pricing Zero-Coupon Bonds in the Zero Lower Bound Framework

Dynamic Asset Pricing in a Unified Bachelier–Black–Scholes–Merton Model

We present a unified, market-complete model that integrates both Bachelier and Black–Scholes–Merton frameworks for asset pricing. The model allows for the study, within a unified framework, of asset pricing in a natural world that experiences the possibility of negative security prices or riskless rates. Unlike the classical Black–Scholes–Merton, we show that option pricing in the unified model differs depending on whether the replicating, self-financing portfolio uses riskless bonds or a single riskless bank account. We derive option price formulas and extend our analysis to the term structure of interest rates by deriving the pricing of zero-coupon bonds, forward contracts, and futures contracts. We identify a necessary condition for the unified model to support a perpetual derivative. Discrete binomial pricing under the unified model is also developed. In every scenario analyzed, we show that the unified model simplifies to the standard Black–Scholes–Merton pricing under specific limits and provides pricing in the Bachelier model limit. We note that the Bachelier limit within the unified model allows for positive riskless rates. The unified model prompts us to speculate on the possibility of a mixed multiplicative and additive deflator model for risk-neutral option pricing.

European Call Option under Stochastic Interest Rate in a Fractional Brownian Motion with Transaction Cost

This paper deals on the valuation of European call option price in a stochastic environment by employing three factors which are the stochastic model of the asset value, the stochastic interest rate and the transaction cost. We specify that our underlying asset and the stochastic interest rate, particularly Hull-White model, follows a fractional Brownian Motion governed by Hurst parameter H. We used the hedging and replicating technique to established the zero-coupon bond on the European option. Finally, we give a closed-form formula of the European call option price.

Evaluation of bitcoin options with interest rate risk and systemic risk

This study introduces closed-form formulas for valuing European call options, assuming that Bitcoin follows a compound Poisson process. Additionally, instantaneous forward interest rates are considered in the Heath-Jarrow-Morton model, which includes a jump component. To address the impacts of systematic risk on Bitcoin price and interest rate, we model two stochastic processes using a correlated bivariate jump-diffusion model to capture individual jumps and systematic co-jumps. This study provides analytic formulas for pricing Bitcoin call options and zero-coupon bonds under the correlated jump-diffusion Heath-Jarrow-Morton model. Numerical analysis shows how co-jump intensity affects the prices of both zero-coupon bonds and Bitcoin call options. We specifically look at how these prices change in response to co-jump intensity across three different instantaneous forward rate term structures. The findings show that the prices of Bitcoin call options are contingent on the term structure types of zero-coupon bonds. In addition, the interaction of co-jump intensity and types of term structure also affects Bitcoin option prices. The practical significance of this study is to provide a comprehensive model to evaluate Bitcoin call options and enhance risk management strategies in the Bitcoin market when the Bitcoin market encounters changes in monetary policy or changes in macroeconomic conditions.

Primal-dual active set method for evaluating American put options on zero-coupon bonds

Primal-dual active set method for evaluating American put options on zero-coupon bonds

A Stochastically Correlated Bivariate Square-Root Model

We introduce a novel stochastically correlated two-factor (i.e., bivariate) diffusion process under the square-root format, for which we analytically obtain the corresponding solutions for the conditional moment-generating functions and conditional characteristic functions. Such solutions recover verbatim those of the uncorrelated case which encompasses a range of processes similar to those produced by a bivariate square-root process in which entries are correlated in the standard way, that is, via a constant correlation coefficient. Note that closed-form solutions for the conditional characteristic and moment-generating functions are not available for the latter. We focus on the financial scenario of obtaining closed-form expressions for the exact price of a zero-coupon bond and Asian option prices using a Fourier cosine series method.

Instantaneous volatility of the yield curve, variance risk premium and bond return predictability

This paper proposes a new way of estimating the instantaneous volatility of fixed income securities using derivatives data, which can further be used to construct the corresponding yield curve variance risk premium (VRP). We show that this VRP measure exhibits strong long-horizon predictive power for bond excess returns. After controlling for the shape of the yield curve, the VRP strongly predicts 1-year holding period excess returns for 2-year to 10-year zero coupon bonds. The marginal R2 of VRP is as high as 12.6%. One standard deviation increase in the VRP is associated with 2.224% increase in the bond excess return. This result is robust when we include various other bond return predictors, such as the Cochrane–Piazzesi “tent-shaped” factor. The out-of-sample analysis suggests that this predictability is not only statistically significant, but also can be translated into economic gains. Additional tests suggest that this predictability varies with economic conditions.

THE JARROW AND TURNBULL SETTING REVISITED

We consider a financial market with zero-coupon bonds that are exposed to credit and liquidity risk. We revisit the famous Jarrow & Turnbull (1995) setting in order to account for these two intricately intertwined risk types. We utilize the foreign exchange analogy that interprets defaultable zero-coupon bonds as a conversion of nondefaultable foreign counterparts. The relevant exchange rate is only partially observable in the market filtration, which leads us naturally to an application of the concept of platonic financial markets as introduced by Cuchiero et al. (2020). We provide an example of tractable term structure models that are driven by a two-dimensional affine jump diffusion. Furthermore, we derive explicit valuation formulae for marketable products, e.g. for credit default swaps.

The discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model: a closed-form solution and applications to mixed funds representation

Abstract A closed-form solution for zero-coupon bonds is obtained for a version of the discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model. An estimation procedure relying on a Kalman filter is provided. The model is shown to produce adequate fit when applied to historical Canadian spot rate data and to improve distributional predictive performance over benchmarks. An adaptation of the mixed fund return model from Augustyniak et al. ((2021). ASTIN Bulletin: The Journal of the IAA, 51(1), 131–159.) is also provided to include the discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model as one of its building blocks.

Time-inhomogeneous Hawkes processes and its financial applications

<abstract><p>We consider time-inhomogeneous Hawkes processes with an exponential kernel, and we analyze some properties of the model. Time-inhomogeneity for the Hawkes process is indispensable for short rate models or for other calibration purposes, while financial applications for the time-homogeneous case already well known. Distributional properties for such a model generate computational tractability for a financial application. In this paper, moments and the Laplace transform of time-inhomogeneous Hawkes processes are obtained from the distributional properties of the underlying processes. As an applications to finance, we investigate the pricing formula for zero-coupon bonds when short-term interest rates are governed by the time-inhomogeneous Hawkes process. Numerical illustrations are also provided. As an illustrative example, we apply the derived moments and Laplace transform of time-inhomogeneous Hawkes processes to the pricing of zero-coupon bonds within a financial context. By considering the short-term interest rate as driven by inhomogeneous Hawkes processes, we develop explicit formulae for valuing zero-coupon bonds. This application is particularly relevant for modeling interest rate dynamics in real-world scenarios, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of pricing dynamics. Through numerical illustrations, we demonstrate the computational tractability of our approach, showcasing its practical utility for financial practitioners and providing insights into the intricate interplay between time-inhomogeneous Hawkes processes and bond pricing in dynamic markets.</p></abstract>

Pricing geometric average Asian options in the mixed sub-fractional Brownian motion environment with Vasicek interest rate model

<p>Considering the characteristics of long-range correlations in financial markets, the issue of valuing geometric average Asian options is examined, assuming that the variations of the underlying asset follow the mixed sub-fractional Brownian motion, and the dynamics of short-term interest rate satisfies the mixed sub-fractional Vasicek model. Based on the principle of no arbitrage, the definite solution of PDE of a zero-coupon bond for geometric average Asian options under the circumstance of the mixed sub-fractional is given by the delta hedging technique. The derivation of the explicit pricing formula for geometric average Asian options with fixed strike price is achieved through the utilization of multiple variable substitutions. Furthermore, we perform numerical calculations to analyze the performance of the model.</p>

Optimal management of DB pension fund under both underfunded and overfunded cases

This paper investigates the optimal management of an aggregated defined benefit pension plan in a stochastic environment. The interest rate follows the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model, the benefits follow the geometric Brownian motion while the contribution rate is determined by the spread method of fund amortization. The pension manager invests in the financial market with three assets: cash, a zero-coupon bond and a stock. Regardless of the initial status of the plan, we suppose that the pension fund may become underfunded or overfunded in the planning horizon. The optimization goal of the manager is to maximize the expected utility in the overfunded region minus the weighted solvency risk in the underfunded region. By introducing an auxiliary process and related equivalent optimization problems and using the martingale method, the optimal wealth process, optimal portfolio and efficient frontier are obtained under four cases (high tolerance towards solvency risk, low tolerance towards solvency risk, a specific lower bound, and high lower bound). Moreover, we also obtain the probabilities that the optimal terminal wealth falls in the overfunded and underfunded regions. At last, we present numerical analyzes to illustrate the manager's economic behaviors.

The implied views of bond traders on the spot equity market

This study delves into the temporal dynamics within the equity market through the lens of bond traders. Recognizing that the riskless interest rate fluctuates over time, we leverage the Black-Derman-Toy model to trace its temporal evolution. To gain insights from a bond trader's perspective, we focus on a specific type of bond: the zero-coupon bond. This paper introduces a pricing algorithm for this bond and presents a formula that can be used to ascertain its real value. By constructing an equation that juxtaposes the theoretical value of a zero-coupon bond with its actual value, we can deduce the risk-neutral probability. It is noteworthy that the risk-neutral probability correlates with variables like the instantaneous mean return, instantaneous volatility, and inherent upturn probability in the equity market. Examining these relationships enables us to discern the temporal shifts in these parameters. Our findings suggest that the mean starts at a negative value, eventually plateauing at a consistent level. The volatility, on the other hand, initially has a minimal positive value, peaks swiftly, and then stabilizes. Lastly, the upturn probability is initially significantly high, plunges rapidly, and ultimately reaches equilibrium.

Optimal Reinsurance–Investment Strategy Based on Stochastic Volatility and the Stochastic Interest Rate Model

This paper studies insurance companies’ optimal reinsurance–investment strategy under the stochastic interest rate and stochastic volatility model, taking the HARA utility function as the optimal criterion. It uses arithmetic Brownian motion as a diffusion approximation of the insurer’s surplus process and the variance premium principle to calculate premiums. In this paper, we assume that insurance companies can invest in risk-free assets, risky assets, and zero-coupon bonds, where the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross model describes the dynamic change in stochastic interest rates and the Heston model describes the price process of risky assets. The analytic solution of the optimal reinsurance–investment strategy is deduced by employing related methods from the stochastic optimal control theory, the stochastic analysis theory, and the dynamic programming principle. Finally, the influence of model parameters on the optimal reinsurance–investment strategy is illustrated using numerical examples.

Co-movement and global factors in sovereign bond yields

Abstract We study the co-movement in international zero-coupon government bond yields using a recently proposed methodology by Choi et al. (2018) and Choi et al. (2021) for the estimation of multilevel factor models. We employ a readily available non-proprietary dataset coupled with open-source code which facilitates reproduction of the results but also comparability with the existing bibliography. The ten countries dataset is cross-sectionally expanded to eleven countries with newly constructed data series on the term structure of Greek constant-maturity, government zero-coupon bond rates. We find that the country pair US-Germany is most suitable as an initial candidate for global factor estimation. We confirm that three global factors account for most of the variation in zero-coupon bond yields leaving a small proportion to be (contemporaneously) explained by local factors. Global inflation and global real activity are related to the global level and slope factors. The third global factor, “curvature,” is strongly related to economic/financial uncertainty linked to systemic risk stemming from the US financial markets. JEL classification numbers: C10, E43, G12, G15. Keywords: Sovereign bonds; Yield curve; Term structure; Multilevel factor model; Global factors; Local factors.

Phase-type representations of stochastic interest rates with applications to life insurance

The purpose of the present paper is to incorporate stochastic interest rates into a matrix-approach to multi-state life insurance, where formulas for reserves, moments of future payments and equivalence premiums can be obtained as explicit formulas in terms of product integrals or matrix exponentials. To this end we consider the Markovian interest model, where the rates are piecewise deterministic (or even constant) in the different states of a Markov jump process, and which is shown to integrate naturally into the matrix framework. The discounting factor then becomes the price of a zero-coupon bond which may or may not be correlated with the biometric insurance process. Another nice feature about the Markovian interest model is that the price of the bond coincides with the survival function of a phase-type distributed random variable. This, in particular, allows for calibrating the Markovian interest rate models using a maximum likelihood approach to observed data (prices) or to theoretical models like e.g. a Vasiček model. Due to the denseness of phase-type distributions, we can approximate the price behaviour of any zero-coupon bond with interest rates bounded from below by choosing the number of possible interest rate values sufficiently large. For observed data models with few data points, lower dimensions will usually suffice, while for theoretical models the dimensionality is only a computational issue.

A Pull-to-Par Binomial Model for Pricing Options on Bonds

We present a tree-based approach to the Pull-to-Par model for call options on zero-coupon bonds presented in Tomas and Yu (2021). The binomial approach presented is a simple alternative to the original model solution. The model presented converges to the stochastic process given in Tomas and Yu. Some illustrative comparison values to the original model for calls and puts are given. A discussion of American option pricing and the addition of coupons is also presented and illustrated.

Static Markowitz mean-variance portfolio selection model with long-term bonds

We propose a static Markowitz mean-variance portfolio selection model suitable for long-term zero-coupon bonds. The model uses a multi-factor term structure model of Vasicek (Ornstein-Uhlenbeck) type to compute the portfolio's expected return and its variance in the model. German Government zero-coupon bonds with short to very long time to maturity are considered; the data spans August 2002 to December 2020. The main investment assumption is the re-investment of cash flows of zero-coupon bonds with maturities less than the planning horizon at the current spot interest rate. Solutions for the zero-coupon holding vector and the tangency portfolio are obtained in closed form. Model parameters are estimated under an assumption of modeling ambiguity which takes the form of Knightian uncertainties at the level of the latent factors, allowing the use of a Kalman filter. Different investment strategies are examined on various risk portfolios. Results show that one- and two-factor Vasicek models produce attractive out-of-sample portfolio predictions in terms of the Sharpe ratio especially on long-term investments. It is also noted that a small number of risky bonds can adequately produce very attractive portfolio risk-return profiles.

Mean-variance asset-liability management under CIR interest rate and the family of 4/2 stochastic volatility models with derivative trading

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>This paper investigates the effects of derivative trading on the performance of asset-liability management in the presence of stochastic interest rate and stochastic volatility under the mean-variance criterion. Specifically, the asset-liability manager can invest not only in a money market account, a zero-coupon (rollover) bond, and a stock index but also in stock derivatives. It is assumed that the interest rate follows a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) process, and the instantaneous variance of the stock index is governed by the family of 4/2 stochastic volatility models, which embraces the Heston model and 3/2 model, as particular cases. By solving a system of three backward stochastic differential equations, closed-form expressions for the optimal strategies and optimal value functions are derived in two cases: with and without the stock derivatives. Moreover, we consider the special cases without random liabilities. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate theoretical results and explore the effects of derivative trading on efficient frontiers.</p>