Valuation Models

Options valuation or pricing models describe mathematically how a set of input parameters – typically underlying price, strike price, time to expiration, interest rate, and volatility – combine to determine a theoretical value of an option.

CQG offers seven models that serve as the framework for valuing options:

      Black

      Black-Scholes

      Bourtov

      Cox-Ross-Rubinstein

      Garman-Kohlhagen

      Merton

      Whaley

Key to terms

Term

Definition

TheoV

option theoretic value

sigma, σ

volatility of the relative price change of the underlying stock price

ImpV

implied volatility

Greeks

Partial derivatives of the option price to a small movement in the underlying variables. Main Greeks are delta, gamma, theta, vega, rho.

Delta, ∆

delta is the first derivative of the option price by underlying price

Gamma, Γ

gamma is the second derivative of the option price by underlying price

Vega

vega is the first derivative of the option price by volatility

Theta, Θ

theta is the first derivative of the option price by time to expiration

Rho, ρ

rho is the first derivative of the option price by interest rate

N(x)

cumulative normal distribution function

n(x)

normal distribution function

,

S

underlying price

X

strike price of option

r

risk-free interest rate

T

option time to expiration in years

σ

volatility of the relative price change of the underlying instrument

b

the cost-of-carry rate of holding the underlying security

 

For further reading, we suggest:

      The Complete Guide to Option Pricing Formulas. ISBN 0071389970.

      Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives. ISBN 0132164949.

      Option Volatility and Pricing Strategies. ISBN155738486X.