# Archive of events

Mathematical and Computational Finance Lab

## Lunch at the Lab past events

Fall 2020 December 1, 2020

Speaker:  Joshua McGillivray

TOPIC: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016:  Chapter 17: Monte Carlo Methods and Chapter 18: Confronting the Partition Function (sec. 18.1 (The Log-Likelihood Gradient)+18.2 (Stochastic Maximum Likelihood and Contrastive Divergence))

Abstract: Many problems in applied mathematics are infeasible to solve algebraically, thus we must rely on numerical methods to approximate a solution. Some numerical methods incorporate randomness to account for the unpredictability of the world around us. Monte Carlo methods are a group of randomized algorithms which rely on randomness to create a solution within a certain error. Monte Carlo methods are ubiquitous in machine learning and are all but a necessity to solve fundamental problems underlying the machine learning process. This presentation presents an overview of Monte Carlo methods within the context of deep learning as well as discusses some problems that arise due to their use. The log-likelihood gradient (sec. 18.1) and stochastic maximum likelihood and contrastive divergence (sec. 18.2) from Chapter 18 will be also discussed.

November 17, 2020

Speaker:  Myles Sjogren

TOPIC: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016. Chapter 16: Structured Probabilistic Models for Deep Learning

Abstract: Deep learning draws upon many modeling formalisms that researchers can use to guide their design efforts and describe their algorithms. One of these formalisms is the idea of structured probabilistic models. A structured probabilistic model is a way of describing a probability distribution, using a graph to describe which random variables in the probability distribution interact with each other directly. This chapter provides basic background on some of the most central ideas of graphical models, and focuses on the concepts that have proven most useful to the deep learning research community. The use of graphs to describe probability distributions is common practice when dealing with complex scenarios involving higher dimensional data with rich structure. The practise of structured probabilistic modelling can simplify the task of developing models in which variables interact in both direct and indirect ways. This infers the development of a formal framework allowing models to have significantly fewer parameters and therefore be estimated reliably from less data. This presentation gives an overview of the basics of structured probabilistic modelling and talks briefly about how it can be adapted for use in applications of deep learning.

October 27, 2020

Speaker:  Matthew Greenberg

TOPIC: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016. Chapter 10: Sequence Modeling via Recurrent Neural Networks

Abstract: Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are a family of neural networks for processing sequential data, e.g. time series, text. In contrast to simple feedforward or convolutional networks, the input size (length of the sequence) does not need to be known in advance. I’ll start the talk by describing the architecture of RNNs and how to train them using “backpropagation through time”. In the remaining time, I’ll discuss “gated” networks allowing for long-term memory and the encoder-decoder architecture

October 13, 2020

TOPIC: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016. Chapter 11: Practical Methodology

Abstract: Most of the book under review is about different machine learning models, training algorithms, and objective functions. In practice, one can usually do much better with a correct application of a commonplace algorithm than by sloppily applying an obscure algorithm.  Correct application of an algorithm depends on mastering some fairly simple methodology. Many of the recommendations in this Chapter 11 are adapted from Ng, A. (2015) paper “Advice for applying machine learning”. The book recommends the following practical design process: 1) determine your goals; 2) establish a working end-to-end pipeline as soon as possible, including the estimation of the appropriate performance metrics; 3) instrument the system well to determine bottlenecks in performance; 4) repeatedly make instrumental changes such as gathering new data, adjusting hyperparameters, or changing algorithms

September 29, 2020

Speaker: Qi Guo

TOPIC: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016.  Chapter 9: Convolutional Networks

Abstract: The goal of this chapter is to describe the kinds of tools that convolutional networks (CN) provide. CN are a specialized kind of neutral network for processing data that has a known grid-like topology. This chapter explains the motivation behind using convolution in a neural network, and describes the operation called pooling, which almost all convolutional networks employ. Several variants on the convolutional function that are widely used in practice for neural networks are introduced. It is also shown how convolution may be applied to many kinds of data, with different numbers of dimensions. (Part of this Chapter 9 was presented in Winter 2020).

September 15, 2020

Speaker: Qi Guo

Title: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016 Chapter 7 (sec. 7.8-7.14): Regularization for Deep Learning

Abstract: A central problem in machine learning is how to make an algorithm that will perform well not just on the training data, but also on new inputs. Many strategies used in machine learning are explicitly designed to reduce the test error, possibly at the expense of increase training error. These strategies are known collectively as regularization. Developing more effective regularization strategies has been one of the major research efforts in the field. This Chapter 7 describes regularization in more details than previous Chapter 5, focusing on regularization strategies for deep models or models that may be used as building blocks to form deep models.

Winter 2020 March 10, 2020

Title: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016: Chapter 9: Convolutional Networks

Abstract: The goal of this chapter is to describe the kinds of tools that convolutional networks (CN) provide. CN are a specialized kind of neutral network for processing data that has a known grid-like topology.  This chapter explains the motivation behind using convolution in a neural network, and describes the operation called pooling, which almost all convolutional networks employ. Several variants on the convolutional function that are widely used in practice for neural networks are introduced. It is also shown how convolution may be applied to many kinds of data, with different numbers of dimensions.

March 3, 2020

Speaker: Professor Dr. Christian Bayer (Weierstrass Institute, Berlin, Germany)

Title: Pricing American Options by Exercise Rate Optimization

Abstract: We present a novel method for the numerical pricing of American options based on Monte Carlo simulation and the optimization of exercise strategies. Previous solutions to this problem either explicitly or implicitly determine so-called optimal exercise regions, which consist of points in time and space at which a given option is exercised. In contrast, our method determines the exercise rates of randomized exercise strategies. We show that the supremum of the corresponding stochastic optimization problem provides the correct option price. By integrating analytically over the random exercise decision, we obtain an objective function that is differentiable with respect to perturbations of the exercise rate even for finitely many sample paths. The global optimum of this function can be approached gradually when starting from a constant exercise rate. Numerical experiments on vanilla put options in the multivariate Black--Scholes model and a preliminary theoretical analysis underline the efficiency of our method, both with respect to the number of time-discretization steps and the required number of degrees of freedom in the parametrization of the exercise rates. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of our method through numerical experiments on max call options in the classical Black--Scholes model, and vanilla put options in both the Heston model and the non-Markovian rough Bergomi model.

February 25th, 2020

Speaker: Weiliang Lu

Title: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016: Sections 8.4-8.7 (Chapter 8: Optimization for Training Deep Models).

Abstract: This second talk will finalize the Chapter 8 by reviewing Sections 8.4 (Parameter Initialization Strategies ), 8.5 (Algorithms with Adaptive Learning Rates), 8.6. (Approximate Second-Order Methods) and 8.7 (Optimization Strategies and Meta-Algorithms).

Febuary 11th, 2020

Speaker: Weiliang Lu

Title: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016: Chapter 8: Optimization for Training Deep Models

Abstract: Of all the many optimization problems involved in deep learning, the most difficult is neural network training. Because this problem is so important and so expensive, a specialized set of optimization techniques have been developed for solving it. Chapter 8 presents these optimization techniques for neural network training. It focuses on one particular case of optimization: finding the parameters \theta of a neural network that significantly reduce a cost function J(\theta), which typically includes a performance measure evaluated on the entire training set as well as additional regularization terms.

January 30th, 2020

Speaker: Clarence Simard (UQAM, Montreal, QC, Canada)

Abstract: The Kunita-Watanabe decomposition is the decomposition of the L^2 space into orthogonal martingales. This decomposition is at the heart of the delta hedging in continuous time.  A more general decomposition, the Follmër-Schweizer decomposition, is fundamental in the theory of quadratic hedging. In this talk, I will present a generalisation of the Kunita-Watanabe decomposition using nonlinear stochastic integrals. I will begin the talk by giving an intuitive presentation of the orthogonal decomposition of a linear space.

January 21th, 2020

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Review of ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016: Chapter 3: Probability and Information Theory

Abstract: In this talk, I’ll quickly go through probability theory's description (Sec. 3.1-3.9, 3.11-3.12), and concentrate more on information theory (Sec. 3.10 and 3.13) and structured probabilistic models’ ideas (3.14). In the context of machine or deep learning, we can apply information theory to characterize probability distributions or to quantify similarity between probability distributions.

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Fall 2019 December 3rd, 2019

Speaker: Qi Guo

Abstract: Chapter 7, sec. 7.1-7.7, is devoted to the parameter norm penalties (7.1), norm penalties as constrained optimization (7.2), regularization and under-constrained problems (7.3), dataset augmentation (7.4), noise robustness (7.5), semi-supervised learning (7.6) and multitask learning (7.7).

November 26th, 2019

Speaker: Matthew Greenberg

Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce Tensorflow, currently the most popular library for computations involving neural networks. I will explain the essential ideas underlying Tensorflow and its most important capabilities. We will interact with these capabilities both "by hand" as well as through the higher level Keras front-end. My hope is that the audience acquires sufficient skill to experiment independently with simple feedforward and convolutional neural networks in Tensorflow.

November 19th, 2019

Speaker: Ana Karen Roldan

Abstract: Section 6.4-6.6. are devoted to Architecture Design (6.4), Back-Propagation and Other Differentiation (6.5) and Historical Notes (6.6). Code can be found here.

November 19th, 2019

Speaker: Ana Karen Roldan

Abstract: Section 6.4-6.6. are devoted to Architecture Design (6.4), Back-Propagation and Other Differentiation (6.5) and Historical Notes (6.6). Code can be found here.

October 29th, 2019

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Abstract: The sections 5.10-5.11 are devoted to the Building a Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA) (sec. 5.10) and Challenges Motivating Deep Learning (sec. 5.11).

October 22nd, 2019

Speaker: Ana Karen Roldan

Abstract: The sections 5.8-5.9 are devoted to the Unsupervised Learning Algorithms (ULA) (sec. 5.8) and Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) (sec. 5.9).

October 15th, 2019

Speaker: Weiliang Lu

Abstract: The sections 5.5-5.7 are devoted to the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) (sec. 5.5), Bayesian Statistics (sec. 5.6) and Supervised Learning Algorithms (sec. 5.7).

October 8th, 2019

Speaker: Qi Guo

Abstract: The sections 5.2-5.4 are devoted to Capacity, Overfitting and Underfitting topics (sec. 5.2), as well as Hyperparameters and Validation Sets (sec. 5.3), and Estimators, Bias and Variance (sec. 5.4).

October 1st, 2019

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Abstract: This academic year our ‘Lunch at the Lab’ mathematical finance seminar will be devoted to the deep and machine learning, in particular, we will be reviewing ‘Deep Learning’ book by I. Goodfellow, Y. Bengio and A. Courville, The MIT Press, 2016. All are welcome to review the book!

September 17th, 2019

Speaker: Lisa Ponti and Gerald Bueshel (GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals))

Abstract: Lisa and Gerald will speak about the ERP and FRM certification programs, and how they might build upon their current skill sets and how they might fit into their future career plans.

Spring/Summer 2019 May 28, 2019

Risk and Trading Operations:  Recent Research

Speakers:

• Alexis Arrigoni (Energy and Fuel-switching Pricing using Levy Processes-An Application to Albertan Data)
• Qi Guo (Application of Hawkes Processes in High Frequency Trading)
• Yi (Ivy) Zhang (Option Pricing with Semi-Markov Switching Levy Processes)
• Qiyue He (Application of Hawkes Processes in High Frequency Trading)
• Aiden Huffman (Application of Hawkes Processes in High Frequency Trading)

Bios:

Alexis Arrigoni: I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Geneva in 2015 and continued my Master studies at the same university graduating in 2017 with a MSc in Economics with specialization in Monetary and Financial Economics. During that time, I spent a semester abroad and attended Stockholm University. In 2017, I entered the Math and Stats program at the University of Calgary focusing on Mathematical Finance and graduated this April. I have also been working as a quantitative analyst in Calgary for the past year.

Qi Guo: Qi Guo is a Ph.D. student in applied mathematics program at the University of Calgary supervised by Anatoliy Swishchuk. His research interest is the mathematical modelling for high-frequency trading and he is conducting research about multivariate Hawkes processes. He got his master’s degree in applied mathematics at the University of Saskatchewan with thesis “logistic operator equation and the induced stochastic process for complex system modelling” in 2018 and he finished his bachelor’s degree at Beijing Institute of Technology in 2016. He also worked for Daimler as a strategy intern for half a year to conduct statistical analysis and time series modelling.

Yi (Ivy) Zhang: As a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Anatoliy Swishchuk, my research area focuses on pricing of financial derivatives with a selection of stochastic models. My academic and working experiences also provide me with a strong foundation upon which I have built my quantitative modeling, risk assessment and data analysis skills.

Qiyue He: She is a first-year master student in Statistics at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. She got her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. During her undergraduate study, she attended various mathematical modelling contests and won outstanding prizes. She is also a co-author of the paper named Deep Learning for Computer-aided Diagnosis of Brain Diseases Through MRI Multi-classification, which is published on 2017 International Conference on Medicine Sciences and Bioengineering Proceedings. (ICMSB 2017). Recently, she changed her research interest into financial mathematics and works with Dr. Anatoliy Swishchuk on the Applications of Hawkes Process in Limit Order Book. Her research areas include financial mathematics, stochastic process, data mining and statistical computing.

Aiden Huffman: I am an undergraduate at the University of Calgary, about to pursue a masters in Applied Mathematics at Waterloo. I've done research in Quantum Information Theory, Fluid Mechanics and Mathematical Finance. My favorite pastimes include hiking, skiing and learning guita

Abstract: Quantitative finance plays a key role in risk management, particularly in the areas of price analysis, position taking and market understanding. Join us for three presentations by University of Calgary graduate students on how leading edge research can be applied to business operations and provide valuable insight to Alberta companies.

Topics to be addressed in three deep-dive discussion include:

• Energy- and Fuel-Switching Pricing: an Approach to Carbon Pricing
• Applying Hawkes Processes in High Frequency Trading
• Option Pricing with Semi-Markov Switching Levy Processes

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Winter 2019 April 2th, 2019

Speaker: Qiyue He

Title: Mid-Price Modelling by General Compound Hawkes Process and Its Diffusive Limit

Abstract: In this talk, I will start from basic introduction about Limit Order Book (LOB) and the widely used LOBSTER data. Then, I will move forward to the analytical framework, reviewing some papers about One-Dimensional (Non-linear) Hawkes Process, Non-Linear Compound Hawkes Process with n-state Dependent Orders (NLCHPnSDO), General Compound Hawkes Process with special cases (GCHPnSDO, GCHP2SDO, GCHPDO). After that, I will also introduce the diffusive limit for NLCHPnSDO, GCHPnSDO, GCHP2SDO, and GCHPDO. Finally, I will focus more on simulations where I did lots of my work. I will tell you the main ideas of the mid-price modelling, introduce my dataset which is different from LOBSTER Data, and show you my results and quantitative analysis step-by-step.

March 19th, 2019

Speaker: Zuming Sun

Title: Polynomial processes for energy markets

Abstract: Energy market prices are notable for seasonality, mean reversion and high volatility, often marked by “short-lived” spikes. Polynomial processes are characterized by the property that expectations of polynomial functions of the future state of the process conditional on the current state are given by polynomials of the current state. In this talk, we will explore the application of polynomial processes for spark spread and natural gas price. I will start from increasing cubic polynomial maps on OU process, then extend to fifth-order polynomial and discuss more about the general construction of polynomial maps and inhomogeneous geometric Brownian motion(iGBM). Maximum log-likelihood estimation (MLE) is applied to the calibration of our model. And I’m also going to present the preliminary results and the future work.

March 19th, 2019

Speaker: Junchi Ma

Title: Credit Risk Pricing Based on Epstein-Zin Preference

Abstract: I will present a consumption based equilibrium framework for credit risk pricing in an Epstein-Zin setting. The default time is modelled as the first hitting time of a default boundary. And bond investors have imperfect information about the firm value which is unobservable. The state variables; consumption and volatility are modelled as affine diffusion processes. Using the Epstein-Zin equilibrium solution as the pricing kernel, the price of a zero-coupon bond is expressed as the solution of a system of second order parabolic partial differential equation which is solved numerically. And the price under the imperfect information is solved as a solution of a stochastic partial differential equation. Finally, I will give some comments for the results and see the relationship between the results and parameters. This is joint work with Mobolaji Ogunsolu, Jinniao Qiu and Deniz Sezer.

March 7th, 2019

Speaker: Zhen-Qing Chen

Title: Anomalous diffusions and fractional order differential equations

Abstract: Anomalous diffusion phenomenon has been observed in many natural systems, from the signaling of biological cells, to the foraging behavior of animals, to the travel times of contaminants in groundwater. In this talk, I will first discuss the interplay between anomalous sub-diffusions and time-fractional differential equations, including how they arise naturally from limit theorems for random walks. I will then present some recent results in the study of these two topics. No prior knowledge in these two subjects is assumed.

February 26th, 2019

Speaker: Yi (Ivy) Zhang

Title: Option Pricing with Semi-Markov Switching Levy Processes

Abstract: In this talk, I will first introduce the semi-Markov switching Levy processes, and use Variance Gamma as an example to generate NDX index option prices. We use the fractional fast Fourier transform algorithm as the method for pricing options. I am also going to talk briefly about the calibration method of Gradient Descent, which is the optimization method we use to estimate the parameters.

February 15th, 2019

Speaker: Dr. Hui Huang

Title: On the mean-field limit for interacting (stochastic) particle systems

Abstract: Systems of interacting particles are widely used to establish different mathematical models in physics, biological science and social science.  Such particle systems are called microscopic (discrete) models, since we simply observe the motion of many agents. On the other hand, at the macroscopic (continuous) level, we observe a mass of individuals moving in a coherent manner, which can be represented as a partial differential equation. In this talk I will give a brief introduction of the mean¬-field limit theory, which aims at connecting those two descriptions mentioned above.

February 12th, 2019

Speaker: Karen Roldan Contreras

Title: An Optimal Control Problem in Limit Order Books

Abstract: In this talk, I will review an optimal solution to a high frequency trading optimization problem from Fodra and Pham (2015) paper: “High frequency trading and asymptotic for small risk aversion in a Markov renewal model”. First, I will talk about the existing literature on high frequency trading. Next, the model of the stock price, which is based on a Markov renewal process, will be reviewed. Then, I will introduce the model of the market order flow, show the results by solving the market optimization problem (using stochastic optimal control techniques), and explain their financial interpretation. Finally, some potential directions in this research will be described.

February 5th, 2019

Speaker: Weiliang Lu

Title: Introduction to Levy-driven Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Processes and their Application to Alberta Energy Data

Abstract: In my presentation, I’ll review some relevant papers in this area of research. Then I’ll present in more details the following main paper ‘Estimation of Levy-driven Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) processes: application to modelling of CO2 and fuel-switching’ written by Chevallier, J. and Goutte S. (2017). It focuses on modelling of switching the valuation between EEX Coal and Natural Gas prices. Then I'll introduce the Levy-driven Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process assuming that the Levy process in the model follows a Normal Inverse Gaussian distribution (NIG). I'll give the basic properties of NIG distribution, such as moments, log likelihood, etc., and estimate the parameters of the model based on the properties. Finally, I will also talk about Alberta energy data, and propose some future work on Markov switching Levy-driven OU process.

January 22th, 2019

Speaker: Qi Guo

Title: Multivariate Hawkes process and their Applications

Abstract: In this talk, we mainly focus on the multivariate Hawkes process and their applications. First, we give a brief introduction about the one-dimensional Hawkes process. Next, we conduct a paper review for the multivariate Hawkes process. The review is based on the paper ‘Some limit theorems for Hawkes processes and application to financial statistics’ by E. Bacry et al. (2013). It includes two important limit theorems for the multivariate Hawkes process: The Law of Large Numbers (LLN) and the Functional Central Limit Theorems (FCLT). Then, we briefly present some results about the compound Hawkes process from the paper 'General Compound Hawkes Processes in Limit Order Books' by A. Swishchuk (2017). In the end, we introduce the multivariate compound Hawkes process and propose some future work.

January 15th, 2019

Title: Integrability and Chaos in Figure Skating

Abstract: We derive and analyze a three dimensional model of a figure skater. We model the skater as a three-dimensional body moving in space subject to a non-holonomic constraint enforcing movement along the skate's direction and holonomic constraints of continuous contact with ice and pitch constancy of the skate. For a static (non-articulated) skater, we show that the system is integrable if and only if the projection of the center of mass on skate's direction coincides with the contact point with ice and some mild (and realistic) assumptions on the directions of inertia's axes. The integrability is proved by showing the existence of two new constants of motion linear in momenta, providing a new and highly nontrivial example of an integrable non-holonomic mechanical system. We also consider the case when the projection of the center of mass on skate's direction does not coincide with the contact point and show that this non-integrable case exhibits apparent chaotic behavior, by studying the divergence of nearby trajectories.  We also demonstrate the intricate behavior during the transition from the integrable to chaotic case. Our model shows many features of real-life skating, especially figure skating, and we conjecture that real-life skaters may intuitively use the discovered mechanical properties of the system for the control of the performance on ice. (Join work with Vaughn Gzenda (UofA))

January 7th, 2019

Speaker: Lisha Lin

Title: The Pricing of Options with Delay and Bayesian Methods

Abstract: This talk gives a short summary of my Ph.D. research project. The ultimate goal of my research is to price options on underlying assets with delays by using Bayesian methods. However, it’s not an easy work for us. So, we divided this project into several parts to realize it. At first, we did some extension work. We discussed the pricing of European options on two underlying assets with delays and examined the impact of delays on option pricing and obtain sufficient conditions for the robustness of delays for certain two-asset options, where the two underlying assets involved are modelled by stochastic delay differential equations. Secondly, we developed Bayesian methods to carry out inference for the pricing of Quanto options in a Black-Scholes framework and showed how to compute the price of Quanto options with different types of payoff functions using Bayesian prediction techniques, which provide insights about how option prices are distributed. Finally, we presented a Bayesian method to analyze the stochastic delay differential equation (SDDE) model, and attempted to apply it to the problem of option pricing. Numerical simulations are provided to verify our theoretical results.

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Fall 2018 December 4th, 2018

Speaker: Alexis Arrigoni

Abstract: Electricity prices are characterised by sudden high spikes and jumps due to government intervention and macroeconomic events. A recent example is the introduction of the carbon tax in Alberta whose goal is to limit the use of coal in favour of natural gas. In this talk, I review how electricity prices are modelled and introduce the notion of fuel-switching, which determines when an electricity company should produce electricity with coal rather than natural gas or vice-versa. Finally, I present preliminary results of my current research about Alberta.

November 21th, 2018

Speaker: Aiden Huffman

Title: General compound Hawes processes in limit order books

Abstract: In this talk, we introduce various new Hawkes processes. Specifically, we construct general compound Hawkes processes and investigate their properties in limit order books. With regards to these general compound Hawkes processes, we prove a Law of Large Numbers (LLN) and a Functional Central Limit Theorems (FCLT) for several specific variations. We apply several of these FCLTs to limit order books to study the link between price volatility and order flow, where the volatility in mid-price changes is expressed in terms of parameters describing the arrival rates and mid-price process. Numerical examples and quantitative analysis will be presented for LOBster data on June 21st, 2012. (The talk is based on joint paper with A. Swishchuk)

October 23th, 2018

Speaker: Maciej Augustyniak

Title: Effectiveness of local and global quadratic hedging

Abstract: Local and global quadratic hedging are alternatives to delta hedging that more appropriately address the hedging problem in incomplete markets. The effectiveness of these strategies is investigated experimentally and empirically. The analysis centers on three important practical issues: (i) the value added of global over local quadratic hedging, (ii) the importance of the choice of measure (physical or risk-neutral) when implementing quadratic hedging, and (iii) the robustness of quadratic hedging to model mis-specification. We find that a global approach to quadratic hedging significantly reduces the risk of hedging European call and put options with long-term maturities (one year or more), provided that it is implemented under the physical probability measure. Moreover, a modified global quadratic hedging strategy is proposed that is more profitable on average to the hedger without substantially increasing his downside hedging risk, if at all. We prove mathematically that the expected terminal hedging gain of our modified strategy is greater than that of the global quadratic hedging strategy.

October 11th, 2018

Speaker: Jinniao Qiu

Title: Viscosity Solutions of Stochastic Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equations

Abstract: We shall talk about the stochastic Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for the optimal stochastic control problem of stochastic differential equations with random coefficients. The notion of viscosity solution is introduced, and the value function of the optimal stochastic control problem is proved to be the unique viscosity solution of the associated stochastic HJB equation. Applications in mathematical finance and other fields may be discussed as well.

October 11th, 2018 (This talk was cancelled and is postponed for a later time.)

Speaker: Zhen-qing Chen

Title: Anomalous diffusions and fractional order differential equations

Abstract: Anomalous diffusion phenomenon has been observed in many natural systems, from the signaling of biological cells, to the foraging behavior of animals, to the travel times of contaminants in groundwater. In this talk, I will first discuss the interplay between anomalous sub-diffusions and time-fractional differential equations, including how they arise naturally from limit theorems for random walks. I will then present some recent results in the study of these two topics. No prior knowledge in these two subjects is assumed.

September 25th, 2018

Speaker: Gabriela Zeller

Title: Hawkes Processes in Insurance: Modelling, Applications to Empirical Data and Optimal Investment

Abstract: We propose a risk model based on general compound Hawkes process (claims arrive w.r.t. Hawkes   process and claim sizes are modelled as an N-state Markov chain). The Law of Large Numbers (LLN) and Functional Central Limit Theorem (FCLT) are presented for this model, and the latter is used to construct a diffusion approximation which leads to closed formulas for finite and infinite horizon ruin probabilities. We show that this model is appropriate by fitting it to an empirical insurance dataset, and verifying the result using simulation and well-known goodness of fit measures. Finally, we explain how to study the mean-variance efficient investment strategy for an insurer, whose random risk process follows a Brownian motion with drift in an incomplete market, for the case of the risk model with Hawkes process.

September 11th, 2018

Speaker: Ciprian Necula

Title: The Equivalent European Payoff of the American Put Option

Abstract: Is the American put option simply an incognito European one? The talk is focused on presenting a numerical procedure in the context of the Black-Scholes model, to approximate the payoff of a European type option that generates prices that are equal to the prices of the American put option in the continuation region. The resulting equivalent European payoff is a sum of power payoffs and therefore the price and the hedging indicators can be computed in closed form. For a given set of model parameters (interest rate, dividend rate and volatility) the computation of the equivalent European payoff reduces to solving a linear optimization problem. We conduct a numerical experiment spanning a wide range of model parameters and contract characteristics and, overall, the method produces American option prices with a relative RMSE less than 0.01% compared to a benchmark. We also discuss how the numerical procedure could be extended to other option pricing models.

Spring/Summer 2018 May 16th, 2018

Presentation 1

Speaker: Erik Provencher

Title: Intrinsic Valuation of theCross-field Natural Gas Storage Facility

Abstract: Natural gas is a critical component of Alberta’s energy economy as it is used for industrial production, residential heating, and electricity production. In high demand in the winter, consumption greatly outweighs the province’s production capacity and results in increased prices. To ensure there are no shortages (and make a profit), storage facilities are needed to bank the excess production in the summer months, when demand and prices are low. In this presentation, we will discuss the different types of storage facilities and how these are regulated in Alberta. Next, we will discuss the intrinsic value of such facilities, which comes from the ability to take advantage of the futures market to make a profit. Finally, we will investigate the intrinsic value of the Crossfield facility north of Calgary, and relate it to the $210 million TransCanada paid for it in 2012. Presentation 2 Speaker: Alexis Arrigoni Title: Do Speculators Dominate Agricultural Futures Markets? Abstract: As financial stock markets were hit by the 2008 crisis, prices in the agricultural sector increased drastically. What is now commonly referred to as the agricultural crisis of 2008 has led us to discuss extensively the role of speculation in the commodity market. Speculation in commodities is the holding of a financial position, for gain, and not as a normal incident to operating a producing, merchandising, or processing business (Working, 1960). The aim of this paper is to determine to what extent speculation is to blame. Eight commodities are under investigation: Corn, Cotton, Oats, Rice, Soybeans, Soybeans Oil, Sugar and Wheat. The empirical inquiry is split in two parts. The first step determines whether prices were distorted. Price behavior should be unpredictable and be independent of past prices, hence they should be similar to a random walk. The analysis tests the memoryless property of prices under two approaches: variance ratio and run analysis. The second step tries to define the potential factor distorting prices using a GARCH model and focuses on speculation. The empirical results tend to show an impact of both oil and speculation. ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2018 May 9th, 2018 Speaker: Kris Vasudevan Title: Non-linear Hawkes Processes III: Interaction of Neuronal Populations Abstract: In Part I of the 3-part seminar series, I considered non-linear Hawkes processes in relation to interacting neuronal populations. In Part II, I introduced the Izhikevich two-dimensional neuronal model to simulate various types of observed neuron activity and showed what steps were taken to establish how well generalized linear regression models (GLMs) captured both the variability and the structure of different neuronal behaviour. In the concluding part of this 3-part seminar series, I would like to explore the stochastic optimal control of single neuron spike trains to suggest solutions to regulate epileptic seizures. To this end, first, I will introduce the elements of optimal control theory. Following this, I will consider how the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation arises in optimal control problems. In connection with solving such problems, I will discuss several aspects such as closed-loop and open-loop control, maximum principle, value function, and dynamic programming. Finally, I will treat the stochastic HJB equation for a neuronal spiking problem. In this regard, I will consider an appropriate neuronal model, numerical methods to solve the stochastic HJB, and how neural activity could be regulated or controlled. April 25th, 2018 Speaker: Matthias Fengler Title: Textual Sentiment, Option Characteristics, and Stock Return Predictability Abstract: A growing literature shows a predictability of stock returns based on sentiment proxies. However, also variables implied from single stock options markets carry predictive content for future equity returns, which is attributed to private information implicit in option markets. How do these empirical facts line up? To look in to this question we distill sentiment from NASDAQ news articles and examine their predictive power on stock returns and option market characteristics. We find that options markets react to sentiment from NASDAQ articles and that options variables predict stock returns. Moreover, option characteristics are still highly significant predictors, both in the presence of sentiment variables and after singling out sentiment related information in option data. Results from a trading strategy confirm these findings, underling the informational content of option data for price discovery. April 18th, 2018 Speaker: Yilan Luo Title: Forecasting of Wind Energy Generation in Alberta Abstract: In this work, our goal is to build a model for the future wind power generation of Alberta, as Alberta's wind power capacity is growing, and new wind farms are expected to be built in the near future. An important feature of the wind power data is spatial and temporal correlation. To capture this, we model the wind power generation in Alberta as a spatiotemporal process. We apply the method of Gaussian random fields to analyze the wind power time series of 20 wind farms of Alberta. Following the work of Tilmann Gneiting et al. (Tilmann Gneiting, Marc G.Genton and Peter Guttorp (2005) Geostatistical Space-Time Models, Stationary, Separability and Full Symmetry), we build several spatiotemporal covariance function estimates with increasing complexity: separable, non-separable symmetric, and non-separable, non symmetric. We compare the performance of the models using simple kriging. We also use kriging to demonstrate the performance of the models to forecast the future wind generation for both an existing wind farm and a new farm in Alberta. April 1st, 2018 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: Polynomial processes for energy commodity prices Abstract: Energy commodities are notorious for the extreme dynamics exhibited by prices in spot and futures markets. Models for such prices typically include mean reversion, seasonality, as well as jumps and regime switching components. Polynomial processes have the property that conditional expectations of polynomial functions of future values are themselves given by polynomial functions of the current value. In this talk we will explore how polynomial processes can be combined with Itô diffusions to produce models that are able to effectively capture the rich dynamics seen in energy prices. March 28th, 2018 Speaker: Yi Zhang Title: A Continuous Time Semi-Markov Switching Process with Applications in Finance Abstract: In this talk we first introduce a continuous-time finite state semi-Markov process and present a semi-martingale representation for the semi-Markov process. Then, we put our focus on constructing a continuous-time semi-Markov switching model where the holding times are Weibull distributed. Since our financial market is incomplete as there is an infinite number of equivalent local martingale measures, we need to find an equivalent martingale measure that can preserve the Weibull distributed semi-Markov regime switching structure. Then we can discuss the Markov property under the equivalent martingale measure. For the purpose of parameter estimation, we will introduce a technique called Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, which is based on the past values of underlying asset up to time T, not on any observation of the switching process, meaning that we treat the semi-Markov process as hidden. We will also talk about our future work on model calibration to select parameters that is as consistent as possible with market observations. March 14th, 2018 Speaker: Mohamed Badaoui Title: An Optimal Investment Problem in Incomplete Markets Abstract: In this talk we consider the problem of an insurance company where the wealth of the insurer is described by a Cramér-Lundberg process. The insurer is allowed to invest in a risky asset with stochastic volatility subject to the inﬂuence of an economic factor and the remaining surplus in a bank account. The price of the risky asset and the economic factor are modeled by a system of correlated stochastic diﬀerential equations. In a ﬁnite horizon framework and assuming that the market is incomplete we study the problem of maximizing the expected utility of terminal wealth. In order to show that any solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation solves the optimization problem, we prove a veriﬁcation theorem as well as an existence and uniqueness theorem. The optimal strategy and the value function have been produced in closed form. In addition and in order to show the connection between the insurer’s decision and the correlation coeﬃcient we present some numerical results. March 1st, 2018 Speaker: Jianfeng Zhang Title: Some thoughts about time inconsistency problems Abstract: Time inconsistency means that an optimal strategy found today does not remain optimal anymore tomorrow. This roughly means that the "value function" violates the dynamic programming principle. This issue is extensively studied in the economics literature. There are typically two approaches. One is the backward approach, in the sense that you make today's decision by expecting tomorrow's behavior would be the optimal one for tomorrow's problem. The other is to study only today's problem, ignoring the fact that you may "regret" tomorrow. These two approaches lead to different strategies and different values, and the latter approach has no dynamic theory available. We propose to study the dynamic problem in the line of the latter approach. In this talk we shall argue that in many applications the backward approach, while beautiful in mathematics, is not appropriate. Our main idea is to use the so called "forward utility", and thus our approach can be called a forward approach. February 1st, 2018 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: Compound Hawkes Processes in Limit Order Books Abstract: In this talk we introduce two new Hawkes processes, namely, compound and regime-switching compound Hawkes processes, to model the price processes in limit order books. We prove Law of Large Numbers and Functional Central Limit Theorems (FCLT) for both processes. The two FCLTs are applied to limit order books: we use these asymptotic methods to study the link between price volatility and order flow in our two models by using the diffusion limits of these price processes. The volatilities of price changes are expressed in terms of parameters describing the arrival rates and price changes. We also present some numerical examples. (This talk is based on our joint paper ‘Compound Hawkes Processes in Limit Order Books’ by J. Chavez-Casillas, R. Elliott, B. Remillard and A. Swishchuk). January 31st, 2018 Speaker: Kris Vasudevan Title: Non-linear Hawkes Processes II: Point Processes and Generalized Linear Regression Models in Neuronal Dynamics Abstract: In Part I of the 3-part seminar series, I considered non-linear Hawkes processes in relation to interacting neuronal populations. In Part II, I will revisit point processes and describe how generalized linear regression models (GLMs) are used to examine complex neuronal data structures such as neuronal spike trains. I will discuss how goodness-of-fit tests from theory dealing with point processes are applied to GLMs. I will introduce the Izhikevich two-dimensional neuronal model to simulate various types of observed neuron activity and show what steps are taken to establish how well GLMs capture both the variability and the structure of different neuronal behaviour. Finally, I will consider some of the challenges observed in the use of GLMs to non-linear Hawkes processes. January 17th, 2018 Speaker: Wenning Wei Title: Maximum principle for optimal control of neutral stochastic functional differential systems Abstract: This talk is concerned with optimal control of neutral stochastic functional differential equations (NSFDEs). The Pontryagin maximum principle is proved for optimal control, where the adjoint equation is a linear neutral backward stochastic functional equation of Volterra type (VNBSFE). The existence and uniqueness of the solution are proved for the general nonlinear VNBSFEs. Under the convexity assumption of the Hamiltonian function, a sufficient condition for the optimality is addressed as well. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2017 November 29th, 2017 Speaker: Mohamed Badaoui Title: An optimal Investment Strategy and Its Ruin Probability Abstract: In this talk we consider the Cramér-Lundberg model with the possibility of investment in both a bank account and a risky asset described by stochastic volatility models. By using stochastic control techniques and assuming that the insurer preferences are exponential, we obtain an optimal investment strategy maximizing the expected utility of terminal wealth as well as an upper bound for the ruin probability. November 15th, 2017 Speaker: Jinniao Qiu Title: A functional limit theorem for limit order books Abstract: We shall consider a stochastic model for the dynamics of the two-sided limit order book (LOB). The model is flexible enough to allow for a dependence of the price dynamics on volumes. For the joint dynamics of best bid and ask prices and the standing buy and sell volume densities, we derive a functional limit theorem, which states that our LOB model converges in distribution to a fully coupled SDE-SPDE system when the order arrival rates tend to infinity and the impact of an individual order arrival on the book as well as the tick size tends to zero. The SDE describes the bid/ask price dynamics while the SPDE describes the volume dynamics. The talk is based on a joint work with Ulrich Horst and Christian Bayer. November 1st, 2017 Speaker: Kris Vasudevan Title: Non-linear Hawkes Processes: Earthquake occurrences to collective dynamics in neuronal ensembles Abstract: Stochastic modelling of non-linear processes such as earthquake sequencing and collective dynamics of spiking neurons has been shown to be useful to study their spatio-temporal complexity. One such model I consider here is non-linear Hawkes process. By definition, non-linear Hawkes processes are point processes with self- and mutually-exciting patterns with long memory and clustering characteristics. The sequencing of the patterns in them is complicated both in earthquake occurrences and neuronal spiking dynamics. In the case of earthquake occurrences, a point process refers to successive times at which an earthquake occurs. For spiking neurons, the successive times correspond to times when each neuron discharges or fires an action potential or a spike. In both cases, Hawkes processes are known to provide good models to understand the structure of the intensity processes associated with the point processes. In this presentation, I would like to focus on multivariate and interacting Hawkes processes. First, I would like to express point processes in terms of stochastic conditional intensity functions. Second, I would like to estimate multivariate point processes within the context of a statistical framework. Third, I would like to explore how an extension of the methodologies developed in the first two steps to interacting Hawkes processes is possible. October 18th, 2017 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: The Hawkes Processes and their Applications in Finance and Insurance Abstract: The Hawkes process is a self-exciting simple point process first introduced by A. Hawkes in 1971. The future evolution of a self-exciting point process is influenced by the timing of past events. The process is non-Markovian except for some very special cases. Thus, the Hawkes process depends on the entire past history and has a long memory. The Hawkes process has wide applications in neuroscience, seismology, genome analysis, finance, insurance, and many other fields. The present talk is devoted to the introduction to the Hawkes process and their applications in finance and insurance. October 4th, 2017 Speaker: Mohamed Badaoui Title: Bounds of Ruin Probabilities for Insurance Companies Abstract: In this talk we consider the classical Cramér-Lundberg model with the possibility of investment in both a bank account and a risky asset. The risky asset is modelled by geometric Brownian motion with stochastic volatility that depends on an external factor described by a diffusion process. By using martingale theory and Itô's formula for jump-diffusion processes we obtain an upper and lower bounds for the ruin probabilities. Finally, we show that our approach can recover the known bounds for constant volatility models. September 20th, 2017 Speaker: Jinniao Qiu Title: An Introduction to Stochastic HJB Equations Abstract: This talk is concerned with the Stochastic Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation that is a type of backward stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). We will start with a simple introduction of both forward and backward SPDEs, and then derive the stochastic HJB equations from theory of optimal stochastic controls. Examples in finance and economics would be discussed as well. Winter 2017 April 5th, 2017 Speaker: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas Book Review: ‘Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading’ by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press (2015); (Chapter 12: Order Imbalance) Abstract: In many of the previous chapters, the agent made trading decisions based on three key ingredients: 1) the mid price, 2) the arrival of incoming market orders 3) the agent’s own inventory. In some cases, these state variables were supplemented by observables such as order flow, short-term alpha and co-integration of prices. In this Chapter 11, they investigate the role that another important state variable plays: the quoted volume order imbalance (or simply order imbalance). This is a measure of the buy versus sell pressure on an asset, and it contains predictive power on both the arrival rates of market orders, and the direction and size of future price movements. March 29th, 2017 Speaker: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas Book Review: ‘Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading’ by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press (2015); (Chapter 11: Pair Trading and Statistical Arbitrage Strategies) Abstract: The success of many trading algorithms depends on the quality of the predictions of stock price movements. Predictions of the price of a single are generally less accurate than predictions of a portfolio stocks. A classical strategy which makes the most of the predictability of the joint, rather than the individual, behaviour of two assets is pairs trading where a portfolio consisting of a linear combination of two assets is traded. At the heart of the strategy is how the two assets co-move. The class of strategies for such pairs trading is called statistical arbitrage (or StatArb for short). They are not true arbitrage but rather are strategies which bet off of the typical behaviour of asset prices, and hence are not risk-free. Thus, Chapter 11 is devoted to statistical arbitrage and pairs trading. March 8th, 2017 Speakers: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas & Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: ‘Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading’ by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press (2015); (Chapter 10: Market Making - sec.10.1-10.2-Jonathan, sec. 10.3-10.4-Anatoliy) Abstract: Chapter 10 show how market makers choose where to post limit orders in the book. The models that are developed look at how the strategies depend on different factors including the market maker’s aversion to inventory risk, adverse selection, and short-term lived trends in the dynamics of the mid price. March 1st, 2017 Speaker: Speaker: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas Book Review: ‘Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading’ by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva (2015), Cambridge University Press (Chapter 9: Targeting Volume) Abstract: Chapter 9 deals with execution algorithms that target volume-based schedules. The strategies for investors, who wish to track the overall volume trade in the market by targeting percentage of volume, percentage of cumulative volume, and volume weighted average price (VWAP), were developed. February 15th, 2017 Speaker: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas Book Review: ‘Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading’ by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva (2015), Cambridge University Press (Chapter 8: Optimal Execition with Limit and Market Orders) Abstract: In the previous two Chapters 6 and 7 on optimal control for limit orders the authors focused on execution strategies which relied on Market Orders only. This Chapter 8 looks at optimal execution problems when the agent employs Limit Orders and possibly also Market Orders. The investor’s objective is to execute a large position over a trading window, but she employs only Limit Orders, or uses both Limit and Market Orders. February 8th, 2017 Speaker: Zijia Wang Paper Review: ‘Optimal Execution of Portfolio Transactions’ by R. Almgren and N. Chriss (2000) Abstract: The paper considers the execution of portfolio transactions with the aim of minimizing a combination of volatility risk and transaction costs arising from permanent and temporary market impact. In the second part of the two presentations we will be reviewing Section 3 (interpretation of the efficient frontier in terms of utility function and value-at-risk) and Section 4 (consideration the value of possible additional information on future stock price motion) of the paper. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2016 November 30th, 2016 Speaker: Zijia Wang Title: 'Modelling of Variance and Volatility Swaps with Stochastic Volatility and Jumps' Abstract: In this presentation, we will introduce the financial derivatives-variance and volatility swaps. A general analytic approach for pricing variance and volatility swaps under Merton's jump model and Heston’s stochastic volatility model will be presented. Two different methods: convexity correction and Laplace transform for evaluating fair volatility strike from fair variance strike will be discussed. The closed-form pricing formulas for variance swap under exponential Lévy model and Lévy-based Heston model will also be discussed, and we will investigate the effect of asset price jumps on fair swaps strikes. November 23rd, 2016 Speaker: Robert Elliott Title: Heston Stochastic Volatility with a Markov Switching Regime Abstract: In this talk we introduce a Markov switching regime to the Heston-type stochastic volatility model to price options. The characteristic function of the log price contains solutions of a first order linear matrix ODE with time-dependent coefficients. Option prices calculated with analytic formulae tend to be lower (resp. higher) than those by Monte Carlo simulations in the low (resp. high) regime. The generalization does not lose numerical tractability while reflecting the stylized facts. November 16th, 2016 Speaker: Yingying Lai Title: 'Linear-Quadratic Mean Field Stackelberg Games with State and Control Delays' Abstract: In this article, we consider a linear-quadratic mean field game between a leader (dominating player) and among a group of followers (agents) under the Stackelberg game setting, so that the evolution of each individual follower is now also subjected to delay effects from both their state and control variables, as well as those of the leader. The overall Stackelberg game is solved by tackling three sub-problems hierarchically. By first regarding the mean field term and the delay influence of the leader as exogenous, we use the adjoint equation approach to solve for the optimal control of each follower. Next, we utilize the fixed point property to get the desired mean field equilibrium. Finally, we solve for the optimal control of the leader and conclude that its presence would not interfere the original existence of the equilibrium of the community. November 9th, 2016 Speaker: Yi (Ivy) Zhang Title: Semi-martingale Representations for Semi-Markov Chains with Applications Abstract: This talk is devoted to the semi-martingale representations for discrete- and continuous-time semi-Markov chains, and their applications to semi-Markov regime-switching models in finance. (Joint talk with Robert Elliott and Anatoliy Swishchuk). November 2nd, 2016 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading', by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press, 2015. (Chapter 6: Optimal Execution with Continuous Trading I) Abstract: This Chapter deals with the modelling of algorithmic trading strategies, and is concerned with optimal execution strategies where the agent must liquidate or acquire a large portion over a pre-specified window and trades continuously using only market orders. The Chapter covers the classical execution problem when the investor's trades impact the price of the asset and also adjusts the level of urgency with which he desires to execute the programme. October 26th, 2016 Speaker: Joshua Novak Book Review: 'Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading', by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press, 2015. (Chapter 5) Abstract: This chapter discusses the tools from optimal control that are used in finance to solve many problems, such as optimal investment-consumption, maximizing an agent’s terminal utility by trading a risky asset (stock) and a riskless asset (cash), payouts, entry/exit, and indifference pricing. The main tool for solving these problems is the Dynamic Programming Principle and the related nonlinear PDE known as the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equation. October 12th, 2016 Speaker: Jonathan Chavez-Casillas Book Review: 'Algorithmic and High-frequency Trading', by A. Cartea, S. Jaimungal and J. Penalva, Cambridge University Press, 2015. -Chapter 3. Abstract: Chapter 3 is devoted to the description of the data in the Limit Order Books, and contains empirical analysis of different aspects of trading: prices, returns, spreads, volume, etc., using primarily millisecond stamped data. October 5th, 2016 Speaker: Bruno Remillard Title: 'Price Dynamics in a General Markovian Limit Order Book' Abstract: We propose a simple stochastic model for the dynamics of a limit order book, extending the recent work of Cont and de Larrard (2013), where the price dynamics are endogenous, resulting from market transactions. We also show that the diffusion limit of the price process is the so-called Brownian meander. September 21st, 2016 Speakers: Katharina Cera & Julia Schmidt Title: 'General Semi-Markov Model for Limit Order Books: Theory, Implementation and Numerics ' Abstract: Our talk gives an introduction to Limit Order Books and summarizes the model proposed by Cont and de Larrard in their paper “Price Dynamics in a Markovian Limit Order Market” (SIAM J. Finan. Math (2013)). We present the generalizations done by Swishchuk and Vadori in “A Semi-Markovian Modeling of Limit Order Markets” (e.g., arXiv (2016)) and the evidence found in our data that justifies their approach. The talk closes with highlighting our own work on extending this model to the general semi-Markov model for stock price process in the Limit Order Book including gained numerical results for diffusion limits. Winter 2014 March 28th, 2014 Speaker: Dr. ir. Hans J.H. Tuenter Title: The Modeling of Wind Energy Abstract: We discuss the mathematical and statistical models that are needed to model wind energy, and discuss our experiences with the wind-energy forecasting system that was developed and built in-house. As the share of renewables in power generation is growing, we show how that it is no longer demand, but net load that is driving the dispatch of the other generation sources, and hence makes accurate forecasting of wind (and solar) energy a necessity. March 26th, 2014 Speaker: Kaijie Cui Book Review: 'Weather Derivatives. Modeling & Pricing Weather-related Risk' by A. Alexandridis & A. Zapranis, Springer, 2013. PART II. Abstract: This talk is the second part of the book review "Weather Derivatives. Modeling & Pricing Weather-related Risk". It includes pricing temperature derivatives, using meteorological forecasts for pricing, effects of geographical and basis risk, pricing of wind and precipitations. March 12th, 2014 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'A stochastic dynamic programming approach to quantifying reservoir reliability' Abstract: The recent floods in southern Alberta have highlighted the importance of being able to assess and minimize the risks inherent in our water management systems. Indeed, effective water management has been a vital concern throughout human civilization. In this talk we describe a stochastic dynamic programming approach to the quantification and maximization of reservoir reliability - the ability to avoid exceeding the upper safety level, and to maintain at least minimum supply to downstream water users. The key insight we will exploit is that the risks of failure are integrated with the release strategies designed to minimize these risks. The dynamic programming approach allows us to determine both together. February 26th, 2014 Speaker: Nelson Vadori Title: 'Limit Theorems for Inhomogeneous Semi-Markov Processes, and Applications to Finance and Insurance.' Abstract: In this talk, we will show how we can obtain some limit theorems for inhomogeneous Semi-Markov processes. The results that will be presented are new, to the best of the speaker's knowledge: in the homogeneous case, there exists well-known such results but not in the inhomogeneous case. We will also discuss some applications to finance and insurance. February 5th, 2014 Speaker: Kaijie Cui Book Review: 'Weather Derivatives. Modeling & Pricing Weather-related Risk' by A. Alexandridis & A. Zapranis, Springer, 2013. PART I. Abstract: This talk is the first part of the book review "Weather Derivatives. Modeling & Pricing Weather-related Risk". It includes data handling, pricing approaches of temperature derivatives and modeling the daily average temperature. January 15th, 2014 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Weather Derivatives. Modeling & Pricing Weather-related Risk' by A. Alexandridis & A. Zapranis, Springer, 2013. Abstract: I'll overview the above mentioned book which is devoted to study analytically and in depth the financial products that are traded in the weather markets. (FYI: Weather derivatives are financial instruments that can be used by organizations or individuals as part of a risk management strategy to reduce risk associated with adverse or unexpected weather conditions. Reported from Weather Risk Management Association (WRMA), an industry body that represents the weather market, the total notional value of the global weather risk market has reached$11.8 billion in last year).

-----------------------------------------------------------

Fall 2013 December 4th, 2013

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: 'Commodities, Energy and Environmental Finance: PART II'

Abstract: In August this year the Fields Institute hosted a focus programme on commodities, energy and environmental finance (http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/programs/scientific/13-14/envirofinance/), and I attended two workshops as part of this programme. In this talk I will give a birds-eye view of the range of topics that featured in the workshops, and I will also give brief introductions to some of the many interesting ideas I encountered there. These include ambit field models for electricity futures, assessing model risk for energy markets, modelling wind, modelling emissions markets, using game theory to analyze production and R&D decisions in energy and commodity markets, valuing hydro power plants with environmental ramping restrictions, and more. (This is a continuation of my previous talk on October 30, 2013).

November 13th, 2013

Speaker: Zachary Moyer

Title: 'GMRP-modulated Stocks and Pricing of Perpetual Options'

Abstract: The pricing of options, derivatives of a stock listed in a stock market, is of fundamental importance in advanced market strategies. A classical model of a stock price is presented, based on the binomial model, as are formulae for calculating option prices. We introduce the GMRP (Geometric Markov Renewal Process) as a model for a stock price. This is considered a good model for energy market stocks, as it allows for consideration of large time-scale market behaviors often exhibited by these stocks. We derive results on the GMRP model, and show a way to calculate the price of European calls and puts as well as a new result for the pricing of perpetual options under GMRP market assumptions.

October 30th, 2013

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: 'Commodities, Energy and Environmental Finance'

Abstract: In August this year the Fields Institute hosted a focus programme on commodities, energy and environmental finance, and I attended two workshops as part of this programme. In this talk I will give a birds-eye view of the range of topics that featured in the workshops, and I will also give brief introductions to some of the many interesting ideas I encountered there. These include ambit field models for electricity futures, assessing model risk for energy markets, modelling wind, modelling emissions markets, using game theory to analyze production and R&D decisions in energy and commodity markets, valuing hydro power plants with environmental ramping restrictions, and more.

October 16th, 2013

Speaker: Maksym Tertychnyi

Paper review: 'Markov-modulated jump-diffusions for currency option pricing' by Lijun Bo, Yongjin Wang, Xuewei Yang, 2010.

Abstract: This paper introduces dynamic models for the spot foreign exchange rate with capturing both rare events and the time-inhomogenity in the fluctuating currency market. For the rare events, authors use the compound Poisson process with log-normal jump amplitude to describe the jumps. As for the time-inhomogenity in the market dynamics, they particularly stress the strong dependence of domestic/foreign interest rates, the appreciation rate and the volatility of the foreign currency on the time-varying sovereign ratings in the currency market. The time-varying ratings are formulated by continuous-time finite-state Markov chain. Based on such a spot foreign exchange rate dynamics, they study the pricing of some currency options. Here, they adopt a regime-switching Esscher transform to identify a risk-neutral martingale measure. By determining the regime-switching Esscher parameters authors then get an integral expression on the prices of European style currency options. Numerical illustrations are also provided.

October 9th, 2013

Paper review: 'Properly designed emissions trading schemes do work!' by R. Carmona, M. Fehr & J. Hinz, 2009.

Abstract: Emissions trading markets have been touted as the most efficient mechanism to achieve environmental goals at least cost. Whether in the form of voluntary markets or in a mandatory framework like in the first phase of the European Union (EU) Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), the regulator sets a cap on the emissions which can occur without penalty, and provides emissions allowances accordingly. The recipients are free to use these emission certificates to cover their emissions, or to sell them to the firms which are expected to emit more than what they can cover with their original allocations. As observed in most existing programs, cap-and-trade systems can fail to reach their emission targets as too generous an allocation of pollution permits serves as a disincentive for emissions reductions and deflates pollution prices. Moreover, the implementation of the first phase of the EU-ETS has been widely criticized on one more sensitive account: providing significant (some went as far as calling them obscene) windfall profits for power producers. Here we weight on this debate with the results of a rigorous quantitative modeling undertaking, providing insight into what went wrong in the first phase of the EU-ETS, and proposing alternative reduction schemes with provable advantages. Using market equilibrium models and numerical tools, we demonstrate that properly designed market- based pollution reduction mechanisms can reach pre-assigned emissions targets at low reduction cost and windfall profits, while being flexible enough to promote clean technologies. In the present article, we illustrate our claims with the results of a hypothetical cap-and- trade scheme for the Japanese electricity market.

September 25th, 2013

Speaker: Kaijie Cui

Book Review: 'Modelling & Pricing in Financial Markets for Weather Derivatives' by F.E. Benth & J.S. Benth, World Scientific, 2013: Introduction and Data.

Abstract: This talk will include introduction to weather markets and weather derivatives, data description from the book, and also literature review for stochastic weather modelling.

September 18th, 2013

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: 'Modelling & Pricing in Financial Markets for Weather Derivatives' by F.E. Benth & J.S. Benth, World Scientific, 2013.

Abstract: I'll overview the above mentioned book which is devoted to an integrated approach to weather derivatives. (FYI: Weather derivatives are financial instruments that can be used by organizations or individuals as part of a risk management strategy to reduce risk associated with adverse or unexpected weather conditions. Reported from Weather Risk Management Association (WRMA), an industry body that represents the weather market, the total notional value of the global weather risk market has reached $11.8 billion in last year). Spring/Summer 2013 July 23rd, 2013 Speaker: Alexander Melnikov (University of Alberta) Title: "Partial Hedging via Conditional VaR and Related Questions" Abstract: Hedging of options is one of the basic and comprehensive problems of mathematical finance which has very interesting insurance applications. The most visible developments in this area during the last decades were done by using the notion of partial or imperfect hedging. We formulate this problem as a possibility to create a terminal capital which is close enough to given contingent claim in some probabilistic sense. Such understanding of the problem explains clearly why a reasonable statistical technique properly works here creating new types of hedging like quantile, efficient etc. Due to new developments in the theory of risk measures, hedging problem became a new insight. We investigate the partial hedging problem using the most applicable risk measure CVaR-Conditional Value at Risk. We develop the CVaR optimization technique along with the fundamental Neuman-Pearson lemma to solve hedging problem by minimizing CVaR under initial budget constraints. Explicit solutions will be derived in the framework of the Black-Scholes and regime-switching market models. Applications for pricing of equity-linked life insurance contracts and for valuation of regulatory capital requirements will be given. Besides that an efficient technique for CVaR estimation will be provided based on the so-called path-wise comparison theorem for strong solutions of stochastic differential equations. Theoretical findings will be numerically illustrated. ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2013 April 22nd, 2013 Speaker: Sam Cohen (Oxford University, UK) Title: "Uniformly Uniformly-Ergodic Markov Chains and applications" Abstract: If one starts with a uniformly ergodic Markov chain on countable states, what sort of perturbation can one make to the transition rates and still retain uniform ergodicity? In this talk, we will consider a class of perturbations that can be simply described, where a uniform estimate on convergence to an ergodic distribution can be obtained. We shall see how this is related to Ergodic BSDEs and BSDEs up to stopping times in this setting and outline some novel applications of this approach. March 20th, 2013 Speaker: Kaijie Cui Title: "Introduction to Regime Switching Models and Application to Weather Derivatives" Abstract: Markov state switching models are a type of specification which allows for the transition of states as an intrinsic property of the time series model. Such property of statistical representations is well known and utilized in different problems in the field of economics and finance. In this talk, we will give a brief introduction to the regime switching models and their possible applications in the field of weather derivatives modeling and pricing. March 6th, 2013 Speaker: Lazman, Mark (Numerix LLC) Title: 'Commodity models: formulation, analysis and implementation' Abstract: We present the formulation, analysis and implementation of commodity models within the hybrid modelling framework. The models for commodity price represent the generalization of the benchmark stochastic models for application within the hybrid model framework. The models are fitted to the forward prices and allow calibration to the current market observables, such as options on spot, futures, spread options and basket options. We analyze the calibration of our models to the market observables and discuss the robust calibration initialization. We discuss the seasonality adjustment and seasonality impact on the pricing and calibration of commodity models. We analyze the estimation of commodity models by historical data and present the estimation algorithm based on Kalman filter maximum likelihood methodology. We discuss the applications to the energy / commodity domain. February 27th, 2013 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Quantitative, Energy and Environmental Finance: Overview' Abstract: In this talk, I shall focus on the history of quantitative finance and give an introduction to the very new areas of finance: -environmental finance -carbon trading finance -weather derivatives -energy finance. February 6th, 2013 Speaker: Yuriy Shkolnikov Title: 'Analytic price approximation for American options under time-dependent settings, proportional and discrete dividends. Calibration from American options' Abstract: We present a super-fast and parallelizable analytic approximation for a price of an American option on a log-normal underlying with discretely time-dependent parameters (volatility, IR) with proportional or absolute discrete dividends. The following state and time Greeks are also analytically approximated and calculated at the time of price computation. Results and computational times are compared to the ones achieved on a trinomial tree with time-dependent input parameters. We also present the Decoupled Volatility Model which consistently extends time-dependent log-normal pricing settings to non-log-normal underlying assets and results in an efficiently solvable inverse problem of computing the estimated time-dependent instantaneous underlying volatility and set of time-dependent implied volatilities of off-market European contracts from exchange-traded American calls and puts at multiple strikes and multiple maturities. Due to being based on the introduced pricing method, the inverse problem is also fast and parallelizable. The applicable underlying asset classes include proportional dividends assets (FX, ETF, Commodities) and discrete dividend assets (Equities). The intended application areas for both direct and inverse problems are listed and OTC option pricing, UHF trading (including market making and/or statistical arbitrage), option portfolio management, risk valuation (various approaches). January 23rd, 2013 Speaker: Babacar Seck Title: 'Computational Dynamic Market Risk in Discrete Time Models' Abstract: Different approaches to defining dynamic market risk are available in the literature. Most are focused or derived from probability theory, economic behaviour or dynamic programming. Here, we propose an approach to define and implement dynamic market risk measures based on recursion and state economy representation. The proposed approach is to be implementable and to inherit properties from static market risk measures. Quick Links ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2012 December 11th, 2012 Speaker: Chao Qiu Title: 'Option Pricing and Hedging under Discrete Time Regime Switching Models' Abstract: This talk is to explore the option pricing and hedging in a discrete time regime-switching environment. If the regime risk cannot be hedged away, then the Black-Scholes pricing and hedging framework no longer generates a unique pricing and hedging measure. We also compared several measures for pricing and hedging, with a focus on the risk neutral measure generated by applying Esscher Transforms to the real world regime-switching asset process. I will also briefly present other works in my research. November 30th, 2012 BP University: Opportunity to learn, network and experience a day as an Energy Trader, Energy Market Analyst and Marketer November 27th, 2012 Speaker: Anthony Ware Title: 'Splitting Methods in Computational Finance' October 30th, 2012 -BP Canada Trading Competition Annoucement -Bloomberg Assesment Test Annoucement Speaker: Daniel Leonhardt Title: 'Modeling Multidimensional Futures Prices in a Cointegrated Geometric Model' September 25th, 2012 Speakers: Anatoliy Swishchuk & Giovanni Salvi Title: 'Covariance and Correlation Swaps for Markov-modulated Volatility' September 11th, 2012 Speakers: Martin Hiller & Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Option pricing in a Black-76 framework with semi-Markov modulated volatility' Spring/Summer 2012 August 3rd, 2012 Speaker: Ross Pinsky Title: 'Asymptotics for Exit Problem and Principal Eigenvalue for a Class of Non-local Elliptic Operators Related to Diffusion Processes with Jumps' May 17th, 2012 Speaker: Nikolaos Limnios Title: 'Discrete-time Semi-Markov Random Evolutions and their Applications' Abstract: This talk introduces discrete-time semi-Markov random evolutions (DTSMRE) and studies asymptotic properties, namely, averaging, diffusion approximation and diffusion approximation with equilibrium by martingale weak convergence method. The applications are given to the additive functionals (AF), geometric Markov renewal processes (GMRP) and dynamical systems in discrete-time. The rates of convergence in the limit theorems for DTSMRE and AF and GMRP are also presented. ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2012 May 8th, 2012 Grad Students in Math Finance Research Presentations to the Calgary Business Community April 12th, 2012 Grad Students in Math Finance Research Presentations to the PRMIA Calgary Chapter steering committee April 5th, 2012 Speaker: Akbar Shahmoradi Title: 'US North East and Ontario Power' March 29th, 2012 Speaker: Elham Negahdary Title: 'Taxonomy of Power Models' Abstract: This presentation focus on identifying, classifying and characterizing the diversity of trends in electricity market modelling. The pure price processes entail substantial difficulties when are used to model the evolution of power prices and fail to address the unique features of electricity market such as instantaneous balance of supply and demand. In this survey of the most recent publications regarding power modelling, the objective, advantage and disadvantage of each approach is evaluated in context of its application. Finally, the most suitable approaches are identified to answer the question of what causes the price to move. That 'best practice' market-data aware model allows us to capture the evolution of the most salient, primary variables that describe the movement of price. March 22nd, 2012 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Stochastic Processes with Independent Increments: Ideas, Results, History' Abstract: We give an overview on stochastic processes with independent increments that are now becoming a very popular models in energy and related markets, such as electricity, natural gas, temperature markets, etc. These processes are more general than Levy processes in a way that the increments are independent, but not necessary stationary. We also present a short history of these processes. March 15th, 2012 Speaker: Giovanni Salvi Title: 'Backward Time Multivariate semi-Markov Process for Couterparty Credit Risk' Abstract: We start from the work of Ching et al. on the multivariate Markov chain and we generalize it by allowing any kind of sojourn time distribution, or in other term we introduce a multivariate semi- Markov process. We derive an explicit expression for the transition probability of this multivariate semi-Markov process in the discrete time case. We apply this multivariate model to the study of the counterparty credit risk, with regard to correlation in a CDS contract. The financial crisis has stressed the importance of the study of the correlation in the financial market. In this regard, the study of the risk of default of the counterparty in any financial contract has be- come crucial in the credit risk. Many works has been done to trying to describe the counterparty risk in a CDS contract, but all this work are based on the Markovian approach to risk. In the our opinion this kind of model are too restrictive, because they require that the distribution function of the waiting times has to be exponential or geometric, for discrete time. In the our model, we describe the evolution of credit rating of the financial subjects like a multivariate semi-Markov model, so we allow for arbitrarily distributed sojourn time. The age state dependency, typical of the semi-Markov environment, allow us to insert the correlation in a dynamical way. In particular, suppose that A is a default-free bondholder and C is the relative firm. The bondholder buy protection against C's default by another defaultable subject, say B the protection seller. Our model describe the evolution of the credit rating of the couple B and C. We admit for simultaneous default of C and B, the single default of C or single default of B. March 8th, 2012 Speaker: Kaijie Cui Title: 'Weather Derivatives with Applications to Canadian Data' Abstract: Modelling of Daily average temperature variations of Canadian Data by a mean-reverting Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process driven by general Levy Process is proposed. The process also contains seasonal mean and volatility. It is empirically proved that the proposed dynamics fit Calgary and Toronto temperature data successfully. The model is also applied to derive an explicit price of CAT futures, and numerical prices of CDD and HDD futures using fast Fourier transform are also included. March 1st, 2012 Speaker: LiFeng Zhang Title: 'Geometric Markov Renewal Processes and Their Applications in Finance' Abstract: First we give some basic concepts and properties on Markov and Semi-Markov Processes and Chains, along with Wiener process and Levy process, all of which are prepared for the next Generalized Geometric Markov Renewal Processes. Next, we introduce Cox-Ross-Rubinstein binomial model and Aase model, and from these cases, generalized GMRP models. Then, we consider its approximation in the geometric Markov renewal processes as model for a security market and also study the processes in a diffusion approximation and normal deviation schemes. As an application, we consider the case of two ergodic classes. We present European call option pricing formulas in the case of ergodic, double-averaged, and merged diffusion geometric Markov renewal processes. Finally, we introduce Poisson averaging scheme for the geometric Markov renewal processes obtain compound Poisson process with deterministic drift and derive its option price under risk-neutral measure. European call option pricing formulas for GMRP are presented. February 16th, 2012 Speaker: Babacar Seck Title: 'Taking Market Risk into Account in Portfolio Optimization' Abstract: We provide an economic interpretation of the practice consisting in incorporating risk measures as constraints in portfolio optimization problem. For what we call the infimum of expectations class of risk measures, we show that if the decision maker maximizes the expectation of a random return under constraint that the risk measure is bounded above, he then behaves as a 'generalized expected utility maximizer'. As an application, we make the link between a portfolio maximization problem, subject to Conditional Value-at-Risk being less than a threshold value, and a non-expected utility formulation involving 'loss aversion'-type utility functions. February 9th, 2012 Speaker: Nelson Vadori Title: 'Smiling for the Delayed Volatility Swaps' Abstract: Using change of time method, we derive a closed-form formula for the volatility swap in an adjusted version of the Heston model with stochastic volatility with delay. The numerical result is presented for underlying EURUSD on September 30th 2011. The novelty of the result is two-fold: application of change of time method to the delayed Heston model and calculation of the volatility swap for this model. February 3rd, 2012 Speaker: Tom Hurd Title: 'Modelling Financial Networks and Systematic Risk' Abstract: The study of contagion in financial systems is very topical in light of recent events in the global markets. "Contagion" refers to the spread of defaults through a system of financial institutions, with each successive default causing increasing pressure on the remaining components of the system. The term "systemic risk" refers to the contagion-induced threat to the financial system as a whole, due to the default of one (or more) of its constituent institutions. The ultimate question for me is how mathematical models can help us understand systemic risk. In this talk I will explore some of the background concepts, then look at certain "deliberately simplified models of systemic risk" to see what they may say about the problem. January 26th, 2012 Speaker: Gordon Sick Title: 'Using Streaming Market Data from Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters Terminals' Abstract: The Haskayne School has installed a lab of 18 student stations and one instructor station with streaming data feeds that are popular in industry: Bloomberg (10 stations) and Thomson Reuters Eikon (8 stations). Access to the lab is by ID Card, and students and Faculty can apply for use of the Lab. Access policy hasn't been settled, but there is intent that the lab should be available to Mathematical Finance students, through referral from Tony Ware or Anatoliy Swischuk. These streaming data machines provide screens of market news and commentary (filtered by topic of interest), quotes in a broad variety of exchange-traded (TSX, NYSE, CME, NYMEX, NASDAQ, CBOE) and OTC markets (FX), and some analytics, such as implied volatility surfaces. Both Bloomberg and Eikon feeds set up an Excel menu that allows one to structure live DDE links to live data and historic data. One can download high-frequency tick data (bid, ask, size and trade), as well as daily data for a variety of markets. This workshop will review: --how to log into these services --what data is available --how to build spreadsheets that harvest the data. January 19th, 2012 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: Organizational meeting: schedule, announcements, information, etc. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2011 December 7th, 2011 Speaker: Yang Liu Title: 'Affine General Equilibrium Models' November 30th, 2011 Speaker: Dimbi Ramarimbahoaka Title: 'A stochastic discount function modeled by a finite state Markov chain and related asset pricing' Abstract: Robert J.Elliott and John van der Hoek in 2010 investigated the theory of asset pricing using a stochastic discount function process where uncertainties in the economy are modeled by a Markov chain. Stock price models, futures pricing etc were derived. In a later paper (2011), in the same framework, they discussed finite maturity American options where prices are obtained as solutions of a finite dimensional variational inequality which is expressed in terms of a system of ordinary differential equation. We also give a discussion on the perpetual American option case, a recent work done by Robert J.Elliott and myself. November 23rd, 2011 Speaker: Matthew Couch Title: 'Variance Swap pricing with GARCH Models' Abstract: A closed form variance swap strike price formula for generalized GARCH models will be presented. The generalized GARCH framework considered allows for non-normal innovation distributions and flexible GARCH volatility specifications. We consider numerical examples with normal inverse Gaussian and normal conditional return distributions. We further compare our results with the existing result for a continuous time GARCH limit. November 16th, 2011 Speaker: Paul Obour Title: 'Hedging Strategies for Canada's Oil -An Application of Currency Translated Options Driven by a Copula' Abstract: We study pricing and hedging of Currency Translated Options (CTOs). Canadian oil producers wish to hedge (- an investment to limit loss) their production risk with futures contracts denominated in United States dollars (USD). Evidence of this has motivated this study. CTOs are denominated in Canadian dollars (CAD) and provide various levels of currency protection depending on the payoff structure chosen. We examine the performance of linearly delta hedging a Quanto option and discuss the pricing implication of the more efficient hedge driven by a Levy process / Copulas. November 9th, 2011 Presentation 1 Speaker: Lea Steinrucke Title: 'The LIBOR Market Model - The Seminal Papers and Extensions' Abstract: Since it was first introduced by Miltersen et al. (1997), Brace et al. (1997) and Jamshidian (1997), the LIBOR market model (LMM) has continuously gained in importance and popularity. In contrast to previous approaches, the LMM focuses on modeling effective simple rates instead of continuously compounded spot or forward interest rates. The talk will give an introduction to this seminal idea and approach of these original papers and present extensions and generalizations to the model that have been made over the last 14 years. After a short literature review, we will in particular concentrate on models that incorporate regime-switching techniques and/or the incorporation of Markov Switching Renewal processes. Finally, we will examine how default risk can be incorporated into the LMM. Presentation 2 Speaker: Bo Wang Title: 'Capital Requirements and Optimal Investment for Insurance Companies' Abstract: Asset allocation is one of the central issues in banking, finance and insurance industries. Mean, Variance, Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) modeling were three approaches investigated towards this issue. After introducing ruin probability and expected loss at ruin as risk measures, the optimization results became more accurate and feasible. Using this new method, we also investigated the Solvency II problem. November 2nd, 2011 Speaker: Nelson Vadori Title: 'My Experience as a Quant at Deloitte Paris' Abstract: 'I worked as a Quantitative Analyst at Deloitte Paris from April 2008 to August 2011. I was a member of the Quantitative team of the Risk Advisory department (which is included in Deloitte Consulting). My job focused on three main aspects: i)implementation of equity/FX/interest rate models for derivative pricing (with special focus on FX and equity markets); ii) theoretical review of the models used in major banks/corporates; iii) derivative pricing for major banks/corporates. I also did some missions outside the financial derivative pricing area: Monte Carlo VaR model review (for a broker), Capital allocation methods (for a bank) or Liquidity Gap model review (for an insurance company).' October 26th, 2011 Speaker: Azamed Gezahagne Title: 'Bayesian Estimation of a Natural Gas Forward Market Models' Abstract: In this talk, Bayesian estimation technique on Finance, the idea of Principal Component Analysis and Factor analysis for calibration of the Natural Gas Forward Curve will be discussed. October 19th, 2011 Speaker: BinBin Wang Title: 'Fourier Transform Methods in Mathematical Finance' Abstract: I will give an overview on methodology and applications of Fourier Transform in Finance. The basic idea of derivative pricing using Fast Fourier Transform will be explained and some selected papers will be introduced. I will also give a rough "family tree" of the development of this subject. October 12th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes: History, Idesas, Applications' Abstract: This talk is devoted to the rich history, definitions, examples and many applications (e.g., finance, number and relativity theories, etc.) of Levy processes (stochastically continuous processes with independent and stationary increments). We'll consider in details applications of Levy processes in finance. October 5th, 2011 Speaker: Ke Zhao Title: 'Generalization of the Black-76 Formula: Markov-modulated Volatility' Abstract: In this talk, literature on Black-76 formula and Markov-modulated models will be given first. We then invoke the Markov-modulated volatility and apply it to generalize Black-76 formula. Black formulas for Markov-modulated markets with and without jumps will be showed for two states Markov chain. Application is given using Nordpool weekly electricity forward prices. September 28th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Math Finance Grad Students' Research and Presentations' Abstract: We'll be discussing math finance graduate students research projects and planning their presentations for this Fall 2011. The information about the PRMIA Calgary Chapter Grad Students Presentations next year (April, 2012) will be discussed as well. September 21st, 2011 Speaker: Juan-Pablo Ortega Title: 'Hedging of discrete time auto-regressive stochastic volatility options' Abstract: Numerous empirical proofs indicate the adequacy of the time discrete auto-regressive stochastic volatility models introduced by Taylor [1986, 2005] in the description of the log-returns of financiall assets. The pricing and hedging of contingent products that use these models for their underlying assets is a non-trivial exercise due to the incomplete nature of the corresponding market. In this paper we apply two volatility estimation techniques available in the literature for these models, namely Kalman filtering and the hierarchical-likelihood approach, in order to implement various pricing and dynamical hedging strategies. Our study shows that the local risk minimization scheme developed by Follmer, Schweizer, and Sondermann is particularly appropriate in this setup, especially for at and in the money options or for low hedging frequencies. September 16th, 2011 Speaker: Eckhard Platen Title: 'Numerical Solutions of Stochastic Differential Equations with Jumps in Finance' Abstract: In financial and actuarial modeling and other areas of application, stochastic differential equations with jumps have been employed to describe the dynamics of various state variables. The numerical solution of such equations is more complex than that of those only driven by Wiener processes. The presentation builds on the recent monograph of the presenter co-authored with Bruti-Liberati. It provides some background on the benchmark approach for jump-diffusion markets and presents a survey and new results on higher-order methods for scenario and Monte-Carlo simulation. Literature: E. Platen and N. Bruti-Liberati: Numerical Solution of Stochastic Differential Equations with Jumps in Finance. Springer 2010. September 14th, 2011 Presentation 1 Speaker: Wes Devauld Title: 'Independent Price Verification of Options on Forwards' Abstract: Better understanding and measuring of default risk at a company level is an essential. Energy credit risk differs from that of bank credit risk in that the nature of exposures is quite different. Unlike loans in banks, an energy company's credit risk deals with the fulfillment of derivative deals by exchanges, and the receipt of payment for delivered goods. In Direct Energy credit risk project, potential future exposure was simulated by correlated risk factors. Based on survival of correlated counterparties, distribution of loss was simulated to estimate expected loss, economic capital and other credit risk metrics. Automating various risk measures gives flexibility to the model in generating scenario analyses. Concentration of risk analysis was studied based on Direct Energy's exposure and risk limit. Presentation 2 Speaker: Elham Negahdary Title: 'Independent Price Verification of Options on Forwards' Abstract: The procedure of verifying an internal volatility surface with a market consensus surface constructed through a co-operative of market participants is detailed in the talk. Using Black's model to calculate implied volatility and Delaunay triangulation to construct a surface, differences in volatility for open positions are applied to Vegas to determine mark to market profit or loss. Spring/Summer 2011 August 25th, 2011 Speaker: Rudi Zagst Title: 'Mathematical Finance at TUM' Abstract: TUM is one of only six Elite-Universities in Germany and was honored for excellence in education in 2009. The Chair of Mathematical Finance is part of the Department of Mathematics at TUM and is one of the leading research centers for applied mathematical finance in Germany. The research focus lies on financial engineering, pricing of complex derivatives, risk and asset management. Teaching activities concentrate on the Master program 'Mathematical Finance and Actuarial Science' as well as the elite graduate program 'Finance and Information Management (FIM)'. In the first part of the talk, an overview on these two programs will be given with a special focus on FIM and the international student research exchange. In the second part, a selection of current research topics at the Chair of Mathematical Finance will be presented. July 28th, 2011 Speaker: Christoph Reisinger Title: 'Penalty Methods for the Numerical Solution of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellmann Equations in Finance' Abstract: Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellmann (HJB) Equations arise when applying Bellman's dynamic programming principle to stochastic optimisation problems. We outline the common structure of a number of applications arising in financial engineering, e.g. from European and American option valuation in incomplete financial markets. Penalty methods have been recognised as a conceptually appealing and computationally efficient method for valuing early exercise options. In this talk, we present a penalty method for HJB equations, analyse its convergence properties, and highlight the relation to state-of-the-art policy iteration methods. ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2011 April 7th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Variance and Volatility Swaps in Energy Markets' March 31st, 2011 Speaker: Gordana Dmitrasinovic-Vidovic & Tony Ware Title: 'Modern Portfolio Theory-Part II' March 24th, 2011 Speaker: Ghashang Piroozfar Paper Review: 'Games with Exhaustible Resources' by Chris Harris, Sam Howison and Ronnie Sircar Abstract: What we study here is the problem of declining oil reserves, and its consequences for energy supplies and prices. There exists different point of views for confronting this problem. One way is the assumption of the few number of competitors and firms over energy market. The other way, which we are interested in the current article is the game theoretical techniques for constructing the outcome of competition, while there exists too many various market choices. The kind of games we will analyze, are dynamic games, since exhaustibility leads to the importance of anticipation of changing resource impacts on prices and production. March 17th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Modern Portfolio Theory-Part I' Abstract: In this talk we start with the well-known, discrete time Markowiz portfolio problem, and define self-financing portfolios, tangency portfolio, and efficient frontier. We then proceed with continuous time portfolio problem and utility based optimization. We define utility and consumption functions, and standard market characteristics such are the market price of risk and risk premium in the Black Scholes setting. We then state the Merton's portfolio problem in which an investor must choose how much to consume, and must allocate his wealth between stocks and a risk-free asset to maximize his expected lifetime utility. Finally, we present one of the major results of portfolio optimization theory, i.e.the two-fund separation theorem which states that, under appropriate conditions, every investor's optimal portfolio is a weighted average of the market portfolio and a bond. March 10th, 2011 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 11: 'Volatility Derivatives') - Continued Abstract: The second part of this talk is devoted to the valuing of volatility swaps and quadratic-variation based securities. March 3rd, 2011 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 11: 'Volatility Derivatives') Abstract: This chapter focuses on the pricing and hedging of claims whose underlying is quadratic variation and presents some of the most elegant and robust results in financial mathematics, thereby explaining in part why the market in volatility derivatives is suprisingly active and liquid. The fisrt part of this was is devoted to the spanning generalized European payoffs and valuing of variance swaps. February 17th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Variance Swap for Local Levy based Stochastic Volatility with Delay' Abstract: The valuation of the variance swaps for local Levy based stochastic volatility with delay (LLBSVD) is discussed in this talk. We provide some analytical closed forms for the expectation of the realized variance for the LLBSVD. As an applications of our analytical solutions, we fit our model to 10 years of S&P500 data (2000-01-01--2009-12-31) with variance gamma model and apply the obtained analytical solutions to price the variance swap. (This is a joint work with Kevin Malenfant). February 10th, 2011 Speaker: Deniz Sezer Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 10: Exotic Cliquets) Abstract: This chapter studies in detail three actual exotic cliquet transactions that happen to have matured so that one can explore both pricing and ex post performance. Specifically, it studies a locally capped and globally floored cliquet, a reverse cliquet, and a Napoleon. February 3rd, 2011 Speaker: Akbar Sahmoradi Title: 'Monte Carlo Simulation of NYMEX Crude Oil Option Prices Under A Generalized Hyperbolic Distribution Function' Abstract: The empirical studies indicate that financial data usually does not follow typical normal distribution. Our empirical investigation of front month NYMEX crude oil prices over the period from 1983:01:04 to 2010:12:14 show that the crude returns significantly deviate from normal distribution, as they show fat tails. To address this issue, a generalized hyperbolic distribution is used and its parameters are calibrated using Multi-cycle Expectation Conditional Maximization. Monte Carlo estimate of the crude European Call options is calculated. Also, the sensitivity of option prices to key parameters are investigated. January 27th, 2011 Speaker: Ke Zhao Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 9: Barrier Options) Abstract: This chapter presents various types of barrier option and show how intuition may be developed for these by studying two simple limiting cases. January 20th, 2011 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 8: 'Dynamics of the Volatility Surface') Abstract: This chapter shows how the dynamics of volatility can be deduced from the time series properties of volatility surface. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2010 December 7th, 2010 Speaker: Philippe Dovoedo Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 7: 'Volatility Surface Asymptotics') Abstract: This chapter examines the asymptotic properties of the Volatility Surface showing that all models with SV and jumps generate VS that are roughly the same shape. November 30th, 2010 Speaker: Kaijie Cui Paper Review: Platen E. and West J. 'A fair pricing approach to weather drivatives' Asian-Pac. Financial Markets, (2005), 11(1), 23-53. November 23rd, 2010 Speaker: Azamed Gezahagne Book Review : 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 6: 'Modelling Default Risk') Abstract: This hapter applies the work on jumps (Chapter 5) to Merton's jump-to-ruin model of default; it also explains the Credit Grades model. November 16th, 2010 Speaker: Deniz Sezer Book Review : 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 5: 'Adding jumps') Abstract: This chapter explores the modelling of jumps showing first why jumps are required; introduces then characteristic function techniques and applies these to the computation of IV in models with jumps; concludes by showing that the SVJ (SV with jumps in the stock price) is capable of generating a volatility surface that has most of the features of the empirical surface. November 9th, 2010 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: Accurate semi-Lagrangian time stepping for gas storage problems Abstract: Stochastic dynamic programming approaches for the valuation of natural gas storage, and the determination of the optimal continuous-time injection/withdrawal strategy, give rise to HJB P(I)DEs which are typically solved using finite differences [Thompson et. al., 2009]. A semi-Lagrangian discretization was analyzed by [Chen and Forsyth, 2007], who demonstrated first-order convergence to the viscosity solution.This talk will show how a semi-Lagrangian approach for such problems can be formulated in such a way that it generates a second-order accurate discretization in time. Combined with a hybrid Fourier/finite difference discretization in the remaining dimensions, the resulting method can provide efficiency gains over existing approaches. November 2nd, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review : 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 4: 'The Heston-Nandi Model' ) Abstract: In this chapter the author chooses specific numerical values for the parameters of the Heston (1993) model,$\rho=-1$as originally studied by Heston and Nandi (1998) and demonstrates that an approximate formula for implied volatility derived in Chapter 3 works particularly well in this limit. As a result, they are able to find parameters of LV and SV models that generate almost identical European option prices. October 26th, 2010 Presentation 1 Speaker: Alex Badescu Book Review : 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 3: 'The Implied Volatility Surface') Abstract: In Chapter 3, author derives a powerful representation for implied volatility (IV) in terms of local volatility and applies this to build intuition and derive some properties of the implied volatility surface (VS) generated by the Heston model and compare with the empirically observed SPX surface; deduces that SV cannot be the whole story. Presentation 2 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Approximations of Security Markets by Geometric Markov Renewal Processes (GMRP)' . Part II: Diffusion Approximation, Normal Deviations and Poisson Approximation of GMRP October 20th, 2010 Speaker: Sebastian Sager Title: 'Optimization with Differential Equations: Algorithms and Applications' Abstract: Scientific computing with its core components mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization has developed into a key technology for understanding and mastering challenges in science and engineering. Problems as diverse as the design and operation of chemical production plants, economic decision making, the understanding of the dynamics of cancer, or the optimal control of autonomous cars all require strong cross-disciplinary efforts supported by mathematical and computational methods. The generically interdisciplinary approach of scientific computing is generally considered a third pillar of science, complementary to experiment and theory. It has already become a standard in physics, chemistry and engineering and is currently entering research in the life sciences and economics. We will survey recent developments in the optimization with differential equations and discuss parameter estimation, optimum experimental design, and optimal control, with a focus on integer control functions. We present fast and reliable deterministic algorithms that are based on derivative information. We will present several applications from different application fields. October 19th, 2010 Speaker: Alex Badescu Book Review : 'The Volatility Surface' by Jim Gatheral, (Chapter 3: 'The Implied Volatility Surface') Abstract: In Chapter 3, author derives a powerful representation for implied volatility (IV) in terms of local volatility and applies this to build intuition and derive some properties of the implied volatility surface (VS) generated by the Heston model and compare with the empirically observed SPX surface; deduces that SV cannot be the whole story. October 12th, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Approximations of Security Markets by Geometric Markov Renewal Processes (GMRP)' . Part I: Definition of GMRP, Martingale Properties and Averaging of GMRP Abstract: This talk is devoted to the study of discrete Markov-modulated (B,S)-security markets which are described by geometric Markov renewal processes (GMRP). We study their martingale properties and derive Markov renewal equation for expectation.We also study GMRP in series scheme. We state averaging, merging, diffusion approximation, normal deviations and Poisson approximation results for such models. These limit models can be used for approximations of regime-switching security markets. We state the option pricing formula for GMRP as well. October 5th, 2010 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface. A Practitioner's Guide' by Jim Gatheral (Chapter 2: The Heston Model) September 28th, 2010 Speaker: Matthew Couch Title: Variance and Volatility Swaps in stochastic volatility models based on Levy processes. Abstract: We present a brief review of Levy process based asset price modeling and some of the better known stochastic volatility models based on Levy processes. The quadratic variation process is considered as a measure of asset price volatility in non-Gaussian models. We show how the fair strike price for Variance and Volatility swaps may be calculated in such models through the quadratic variation process. September 21st, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'The Volatility Surface. A Practitioner's Guide' by Jim Gatheral (Chapter 1: Stochastic Volatility and Local Volatility) Spring/Summer 2010 June 17th, 2010 Speaker: Samuel Cohen Title: 'BSDEs in Discrete time and their extensions ' Abstract: BSDEs (Backward Stochastic Differential Equations) are increasingly important equations in many areas of mathematical finance and stochastic control. In this talk we shall explore BSDEs in discrete time finite state systems, where many strong results can be obtained very simply. Using this, we shall give a representation of all time-consistent nonlinear expectations in this context. We shall then discuss extensions of this theory to infinitely many outcomes, and to general probability spaces in continuous time. June 10th, 2010 Speaker: Marianito Rodrigo Title: 'American options with time-varying parameters via Mellin transforms' Abstract: We use a Mellin transform approach to address the American option valuation problem under a time-dependent Black-Scholes modeling framework. The value of the put is calculated first, and then we establish a quasi put-call parity relation for American options to determine the value of the corresponding call. Since the integral equation for the free boundary is not solvable, we provide an approximating ordinary differential equation satisfied by the optimal exercise price. For the constant-parameter case, the ordinary differential equation is analytically tractable. An examination of the delta and pricing errors in our numerical experiments reveals that the proposed approach is remarkably robust and accurate. ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2010 April 1st, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Modeling and Pricing of Variance and Volatility Swaps for Stochastic Volatilities Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion' Abstract: In this talk, we study financial markets with stochastic volatilities driven by fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index H>1/2. Our models include fractional versions of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck, Vasicek, geometric Brownian motion and continuous-time GARCH models. We price variance and volatility swaps for above-mentioned models. (Joint work with Yu. Mishura) March 25th, 2010 Speaker: Gordana Vidovich-Dmitrasinovich & Tony Ware Title: 'Portfolio Optimization Under Downside Risk Measures' Abstract: We give an overview of our work on portfolio optimization with respect to various downside risk measures, including Value at Risk, Capital at Risk, and Conditional Capital at Risk (or Expected Shortfall). In some cases we are able to give explicit formulae for the optimal investment strategy. We consider portfolios of lognormal assets, as well as portfolios containing mean-reverting assets. March 18th, 2010 Presentation 1 Speaker: Kevin Malenfant Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 10, sec. 10.1-10.2: 'Analysis of Temperature Derivatives') Presentation 2 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 10, sec. 10.3-10.4: 'Analysis of Temperature Derivatives') March 11th, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishcuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' -'Modelling of Electricity Futures Markets' (Chapter 8, sec. 8.5-8.8) -'Analysis of Temperature Derivatives' (Chapter 10, sec. 10.1-10.2) March 4th, 2010 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 9: 'Pricing and Hedging of Energy Market') February 25th, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 8: 'Modelling of Electricity Futures Markets') February 11th, 2010 Speaker: Ke Zhao Title: Three Papers' Review by F. Benth et al. (2005-2007) February 4th, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: Pricing of Variance Swaps for Local Stochastic Volatilities with Delay and Jumps' Abstract: The valuation of the variance swaps for local stochastic volatility with delay and jumps is discussed in this talk. We provide some analytical closed forms for the expectation of the realized variance for the stochastic volatility with delay and jumps. Besides, we also present a lower bound for delay as a measure of risk. As applications of our analytical solutions, numerical examples using S&P60 Canada Index (1998-2002) and S&P500 Index (1990-1993) are then provided to price variance swaps with delay and jumps. January 28th, 2010 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 7: 'Constructing Smooth Forward Curves in Electricity Markets') Abstract: When applying the HJM approach (Chapter 6) to electricity markets, one may base the electricity futures price dynamics on a model for non-traded forwards. To estimate such models, one needs to derive forward data from the observed electricity futures prices. An algorithm for the derivation of smooth forward curves in electricity markets is presented in Chapter 7. The algorithm may be applied to gas market as well. We demonstrate the algorithm at work on Nord Pool electricity futures data, and further apply it to study the term structure of volatility of electricity. January 21st, 2010 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: Book Review: 'Stochastic Modelling of Electricity and Related Markets' (Chapter 6: 'Modelling Forwards and Swaps Using the Heath-Jarrow-Morton (HJM) Abstract: The HJM approach to the modelling of forward and swap prices is presented in this Chapter 6. The different modelling issues regarding forward prices and swaps are investigated in detail, along with theincorporation of jump processes. As we show, the no-arbitrage condition for the term structure dynamics of the swap price rules out most of the relevant models. To resolve this issue, we introduce market models for the swaps, much in the spirit of LIBOR models for fixed income markets. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2009 December 9th, 2009 Speaker: Vladimir Surkov Title: 'Pricing and Hedging of Commodity Derivatives using the Fast Fourier Transform' Abstract: Energy commodities, such as oil, gas and electricity, exhibit high volatilities, have sudden price jumps and tend to revert to a long run equilibrium. This talk develops a Fast Fourier Transform-based method for valuing and hedging of contingent claims written on mean-reverting processes with jumps. The Mean-Reverting Fourier Space Time-stepping (mrFST) method developed in this talk solves the option pricing partial integro-differential equation (PIDE) by applying the Fourier transform to obtain an explicitly solvable linear system of ordinary differential equations. Solving the PIDE in Fourier space allows for the integral term to be handled efficiently and avoids the asymmetrical treatment of diffusion and integral terms, common in the finite difference schemes found in the literature. For path-independent options, prices can be obtained for a range of spot prices in one iteration of the algorithm. For exotic, path-dependent options, a time-stepping methodology is developed to handle free boundaries and exercise policies. Finally, an efficient methodology for computing the various option Greeks is developed for use in conjunction with dynamic and static hedging in the presence of jumps. December 2nd, 2009 Speaker: Yuriy Zenchenko Title: 'Optimization in financial engineering' Abstract: We will survey the use of optimization techniques in the context of financial engineering. In particular, we will discuss the so-called portfolio optimization problem that corresponds to optimal asset allocation, and the problem of pricing derivative securities. No optimization background will be assumed. November 25th, 2009 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J, Benth and S. Koekebakker, 2008, World, Sci. Publ.; Chapter 5: 'Applications to the Gas Markets' November 18th, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J. Benth and S. Koekebakker (Chapter 4: 'Pricing of Forwards and Swaps Based on the Spot Price', Sec. 4.3-4.4) November 4th, 2009 Speaker: Thomas Nedunthally Title: 'A new approach to modelling the Natural Gas futures curve and Levy based models' Abstract: In this talk, we discuss modelling the natural gas futures curve by first using a regression equation to seperate the seasonality and the underlying curve. A two factor model based on Pilipovic, Xu with spot prices and a long run mean is used to compute the futures price. The long run mean, which also tells us if the curve is in contango or backwardation, is revealed through the underlying futures curve using a procedure we shall discuss. This allows for more accurate simulations of the gas spot price through the two factor model, and lets us capture the dynamics of the futures curve. Levy-based one factor OU type models using alpha stable and NIG processes are also introduced. The calibration of these models are also discussed. October 28th, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J. Benth and S. Koekebakker (Chapter 4: 'Pricing of Forwards and Swaps Based on the Spot Price', Sec. 4.1-4.2) October 21st, 2009 Speaker: Matthew Couch Title: 'Variance and Volatility Swaps for the COGARCH(1,1) Model' Abstract: In this talk, we present variance and volatility swaps valuations for the COGARCH (1,1) model intriduced by Kluppelberg, Lindner and Maller (2005). We consider two numerical examples: for compound Poisson COGARCH(1,1) and for variance gamma COGARCH(1,1) processes. Also, we demonstrate two different situations for the volatility swaps: with and without convexity adjustment to show the difference in price values. October 14th, 2009 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J, Benth and S. Koekebakker (Chapter 3: 'Stochastic Models for Energy Spot Price Dynamics') October 7th, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Pricing of Variance and Volatility Swaps with Semi-Markov Volatilities' Abstract: In this talk, we introduce a general class of semi-Markov processes and model a stock price with stochastic volatility (SV) that depends on the semi-Markov process (we call it semi-Markov volatility). We price variance and volatility swaps for the SV driven by the semi-Markov process. We also discuss some extensions of the obtained results such as local semi-Markov volatility (LSMV), Dupire formula for LSMV and residual risk associated with the swap pricing with LSMV. September 30th, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J, Benth and S. Koekebakker (Chapter 2: 'Stochastic Analysis for Independent Increment Processes') September 23rd, 2009 Speaker: Alexandru Badescu Title: 'Bond Valuation Under Discrete-Time Regime-Switching Term-Structure Models' Abstract: We propose a discrete-time, Markov, regime-switching, affine term structure model for valuing bonds and other interest-rate securities. The proposed model incorporates the impact of structural changes in (macro)-economic conditions on interest rate dynamics. It also has some econometric advantages compared to its continuous-time counterpart. The market in the proposed model is, in general, incomplete. We introduce a modified version of the Esscher transform, namely, a double Esscher transform, to specify a price kernel so that both market and economic risks are taken into account. We provide a simple and streamlined way to derive exponential-affine forms of bond prices using backward induction. (Joint work with Robert J. Elliott and Tak Kuen Siu) September 16th, 2009 Speaker: Tony Ware Book Review: 'Stochastic Modeling of Electricity and Related Markets' by F. Benth, J, Benth and S. Koekebakker, (Chapter 1 'A Survey of Electricity and Related Markets') Spring/Summer 2009 July 16th, 2009 Speaker: Yuliya Mishura Title: 'Long-range dependence and non-semimartingale models in finance' Abstract: Financial markets fairly often have a long memory and it is a natural idea to model them with the help of fractional Brownian motion (fBm) or some of its modifications. However, it is not so straightforward to implement because the market model is appropriate when it does not admit arbitrage and the models involving fractional Brownian motion are not arbitrage-free. The talk is devoted to some methods of construction of the long-memory arbitrage-free models and to the discussion of different approaches to this problem. In particular, we introduce the mixed Brownian-fractional-Brownian model and establish conditions that ensure the absence of arbitrage in such a model. Also we consider a fractional version of the Black-Scholes equation for the mixed Brownian-fractional-Brownian model which contains pathwise integrals w.r.t. fBm, discuss possible applications of Wick products in fractional financial models and produce Black-Scholes equation for the fractional model involving Wick product w.r.t. fBm. References: [1] Biagini, F., Hu, Y., Oksendal, B., Zhang T.: Stochastic Calculus for Fractional Brownian Motion and Applications. Probability and Its Applications, Springer (2008). [2] Mishura, Yu. S.: Stochastic Calculus for Fractional Brownian Motion and Related Processes. Lecture Notes in Mathematics 1929, Springer (2008). June 29th, 2009 Speaker: Alok Gupta Title: Calibration Using Consistent Bayesian Estimators Abstract: The general calibration problem in financial models is considered. We reformulate the problem into a Bayesian framework to attain posterior distributions for calibration parameters. We show that, for any continuous and bounded loss function, the corresponding Bayesian estimatoris consistent. Finally we work through numerical examples to clarify theconstruction of Bayesian posteriors and its uses. The main focus is on the local volatility model. May 19th, 2009 Speaker: Sebastian Jaimungal Title: 'Multi-Factor Levy Processes and Regime Switching for Commodities' Abstract: Energy commodities, such as oil, gas and electricity, lack the liquidity of equity markets, have large costs associated with storage, exhibit high volatilities and can have significant spikes in prices. Furthermore, and possibly most importantly, commodities tend to revert to long run equilibrium prices. Many complex commodity contingent claims exist in the markets, such as swing and interruptible options; however, the current method of valuation relies heavily on Monte Carlo simulations and tree based methods. In this talk, I will describe a new model of cointegrated prices containing mean-reverting jumps and diffusions as well as a new valuation framework by working in Fourier space. The method is based on the Fourier space time-stepping algorithm of Jackson, Jaimungal, and Surkov (2008), but is tailored for mean-reverting models. I will demonstrate the utility of the method by applying it to the valuation of European, American, Spread and swing options. In addition, I will discuss the real option to invest in an oil field where the volume is stochastic but is discovered as time evolves.[ This is based on joint work with Vladimir Surkov, Ph.D. candidate, Dept. Computer Science, U. Toronto] ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2009 April 30th, 2009 Speaker: Rossitsa Yalamova Title: 'Explaining What Leads Up to Stock Market Crashes: A Phase Transition Model and Scalability Dynamic' Abstract: The market crash as phase transition in Johansen and Sornette (1999) points at the analogy between the three states of a physical system (solid, liquid and gas) and stock market dynamics at a "microscopic" level, where the individual trader has only three possible actions: selling, buying or waiting. According to this model at the critical point order prevails in the market as all traders have the same opinion sell which leads to 'significant drawdowns'. We do not offer an alternative to EMH/CAPM but extend the existing framework to accommodate situations with higher information complexity, interactions with positive feedback, and extreme events that cannot be simply explained by presuming independent-additive data point, and normal distributions. April 2nd, 2009 Speaker: Thomas Salisbury Title: 'Equity guarantees and retirement' Abstract: A new generation of retirement savings products offer the upside associated with equity returns, coupled with the downside protection of annuities. I will describe the changing demographics of retirement planning, and some of the products created to serve this market. Also some of the mathematical problems associated with hedging, pricing, and managing portfolios that incorporate these guaranteed living benefits. This talk describes joint work with Huaxiong Huang and Moshe Milevsky. March 26th, 2009 Speaker: Clifford Kitchen Title: 'Applications of the Normal Inverse Gaussian (NIG) Processes in Mathematical Finance' Abstract: Many of the papers we have discussed in this lab use L\'{e}vy driven stochastic process rather than the usual Gaussian type. These models are typically complex and empirical results are shown with little detail of how to calibrate and implement the model. The intent here is give the introductory steps required to complete this work. I will show how to incorporate a Levy process by modeling, calibrating and pricing European options using a basic NIG process. March 19th, 2009 Speaker: Thomas Nedunthally Title: Stochastic Models of Natural Gas Prices and Applications to Natural Gas Storage Valuation (Chen and Forsyth, 2007) Abstract: Two one factor models with regime switching are introduced in this paper to mimic the behaviour of two-factor models that have been previously developed to model natural gas spot prices. Calibration results for the regime switching model show the ability to capture both the long term and short term dynamics of market futures prices. The calibrated models are then used to price a natural gas storage facility. March 5th, 2009 Speaker: Matthew Couch Title: 'Regime-switching models with applications in finance' Abstract: We review selected sections of early papers developing Markov chain based regime switching time series models. We also review the paper 'Pricing Volatility Swaps Under Heston's Stochastic Volatility Model with Regime Switching' by Robert J. Elliott, Tak Kuen Siu, Leunglung Chan, 2005. In this paper a model is developed for pricing volatility derivatives, such as variance swaps and volatility swaps under a continuous-time Markov-modulated version of the stochastic volatility (SV) model developed by Heston. February 26th, 2009 Speaker: John Sheriff Title: 'The Use of Evolutionary Algorithms to Estimate Jump-Diffusion Models of Equity Markets' Abstract: The use of Levy processes and related models is an attractive option in mathematical finance due to their ability to more accurately capture observed market behavior. However, this comes at the price of greater complexity and the associated challenge of fitting a more complex model to market data. One approach to meeting this challenge is to employ evolutionary algorithms, an iterative procedure that relies upon mutation, propagation, and selection to estimate important model parameters. The talk will address the use of such algorithms in the context of fitting jump-diffusion models to market data. February 12th, 2009 Speaker: Kevin Malenfant Title: 'Analysis of Valuation Formulae and Applications to Exotic Options in Levy Models' by E. Eberlein, K. Glau & A. Papapantoleon Abstract: This paper discusses the valuation problem for a broad spectrum of plain vanilla and path-dependent options in a general framework, and specifically for Levy driven models. Among the derivatives which paper considers are digitals, double digitals, asset-or-nothing options, self-quantos, lookback and one-touch options. February 5th, 2009 Speaker: Miro Powojowski Title: 'Some observations on implied volatility' Abstract: The observed departures of real world markets from the Black-Scholes model have generated much research activity in academic circles and many practical attempts at handling the problem in industry. With some exceptions, the two groups chose very different approaches to the problem. While academics have been building more complex models based on more general processes for underlying assets, practitioners have focused on building ad-hoc corrections to the Black-Scholes models. Both have been adding parameters to the basic model, the academics preferring internal model consistency over the ease of parameter estimation, while finance professionals making the exact opposite tradeoffs. In this talk I will present some theoretical arguments justifying the industry practice of using implied volatilities as a basis for pricing and hedging options. January 29th, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Multi-Factor Levy Models II: Pricing of Financial and Energy Derivatives' Abstract: This talk is devoted to the multi-factor Levy models and their applications in financial and energy derivatives' pricing. The first part 'Multi-Factor Levy Models I: Alpha-Stable Levy Processes' (Jan 22) introduced and described alpha-stable Levy processes and based on them multi-factor Levy models. The second part 'Multi-Factor Levy Models II: Pricing of Financial and Energy Derivatives' (Jan 29) will be devoted to the applications of multi-factor Levy models in financial and energy derivatives' pricing. We'll consider swaps, interest rate derivatives, forward and futures pricing. The approach is based on change of time for alpha-stable Levy processes. January 22nd, 2009 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Multi-Factor Levy Models I: Symmetric Alpha-Stable (SaS) Levy Processes' Abstract: This talk is devoted to the multi-factor Levy models and their applications in financial and energy derivatives' pricing, and consists of two parts. The first part 'Multi-Factor Levy Models I: Alpha-Stable Levy Processes' introduces and describes alpha-stable Levy processes and based on them multi-factor Levy models. The second part 'Multi-Factor Levy Models II: Pricing of Financial and Energy Derivatives' (next seminar) will be devoted to the applications of multi-factor Levy models in financial and energy derivatives' pricing. ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2008 November 12th, 2008 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'A Fourier transform method for pricing options on mean-reverting Levy-driven assets' Abstract: Fourier transform methods are well-suited to the computation of expectations of functions of Levy processes (such as Poisson jump-diffusion, or Variance Gamma processes), and thus they often form the basis of methods for numerical option pricing when the underlying asset follows a Levy process. In this talk I will review these methods, and show how, by use of semi-Lagrangian time-stepping and the non equally-spaced fast Fourier transform (NFFT), they can be extended to mean-reverting and other processes with Levy random shocks. Numerical examples will be provided. (Joint work with Li Xu). November 5th, 2008 Speaker: Thomas Nedunthally Title: 'Spot Convenience Yield Models for the Energy Markets' by Rene Carmona and Michael Ludkovski Abstract: This paper reviews the literature of spot convenience yield models, and analyzes in detail two new extensions. First, discussion a variant of the Gibson-Schwartz model with time-dependent parameters. Second, description a new three-factor affine model with stochastic convenience yield and stochastic market price of risk. October 29th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy-based Interest Rate Derivatives. Part II: PIDEs.' Abstract: In the second part of this talk we describe the second approach in pricing of Levy-based interest rate derivatives based on partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs). We show how to price zero-coupon bonds and bond options. Also, we present PIDEs for pricing of swaps, caps, floors and options on them, swaptions, captions and floortions, respectively. (In the first part of this talk we described the first approach in pricing of Levy-based interest rate derivatives based on change of time method for alpha-stable Levy processes). October 22nd, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy-based Interest Rate Derivatives: Part I: Change of Time Method' Abstract: We describe two approaches in pricing of Levy-based interest rate derivatives. The first approach is based on change of time method for alpha-stable Levy processes. The second approach is based on partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs). We show how to price zero-coupon bonds and bond options. Also, we present PIDEs for pricing of swaps, caps, floors and options on them, swaptions, captions and floortions. October 15th, 2008 Speaker: Deniz Sezer Title: 'Quantitative bounds for Markov Chain convergence: Wasserstein and Total variation distances' Abstract: In this talk I will present recent results on Markov Chain convergence based on joint work with Neal Madras. Let P_n^x, and \pi be respectively the n-step transition probability kernel and the stationary distribution of a Markov chain. In many applications it is desirable to have a quantitative bound for convergence of P_n^x to \pi, i.e. a bound of the form d(P_n^x,\pi)<g(x,n) where d is a metric on the space of probability measures and g is a function which can be computed explicitly. In continuous state spaces one way to obtain a quantitative bound is formulating the Markov chain as an iterated system of random maps and applying David Steinsaltz's local contractivity convergence theorem. If the conditions are satisfied, this theorem yields a quantitative bound in terms of Wasserstein distance. We first develop a systematic framework to check for the conditions of Steinsaltz's theorem, and then show how one can obtain a quantitative bound in terms of total variation distance from a quantitative bound in terms of Wasserstein distance. October 8th, 2008 Speaker: Kevin Malenfant Title: 'An Introduction to Levy Processes with Applications in Finance' by Antonis Papapantoleon Abstract: This paper aims at introducing Levy processes in an informal and intuitive way, accessible to non-specialists in the field. October 1st, 2008 Speaker: Sivia Mayoral Title: 'Applications of the Method of Maximum Entropy in Mean to Finance' September 24th, 2008 Speaker: Matt Lyle Title: A 'Simple' Hybrid Model for Power Derivatives Abstract: This paper presents a method for valuing power derivatives using a supply-demand approach. Our method extends work in the field by incorporating randomness into the base load portion of the supply stack function and equating it with a noisy demand process. We obtain closed form solutions for European option prices considering two different supply models: a mean-reverting model and a Markov chain model. The results are extensions of the classic Black-Scholes equation. The model provides a relatively simple approach to describe the complicated price behaviour observed in electricity spot markets and also allows for computationally efficient derivatives pricing. September 17th, 2008 Speaker: Deniz Sezer Title: 'An information reduction model for credit risk based on level crossings of a diffusion' Abstract: I will talk about a reduced information model for credit risk. In this model, the time when a company claims bankruptcy is the hitting time of the asset value process of the company, denoted by X_t, to a default threshold. The market can not observe X_t prior to bankruptcy, however it can observe R(X_t) , where R(x)=i , if x_i<x<x_{i+1}, where x_1,...x_N are certain thresholds. I will explain how we derive zero coupon bond prices and default intensities when the X process is a diffusion. In the time remaining I will discuss open questions and future directions related to this model. (Based on joint work with Robert Jarrow and Philip Protter). Spring/Summer 2008 June 19th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Malyarenko Title: 'Analytical Finance Package' Abstract: We describe the Java package afp that contains a collection of applets in the area of analytical finance. The user of the package is able to price different financial instruments using Monte Carlo simulation, finite difference methods etc. June 12th, 2008 Speaker: Thomas Neduthally Title: 'Gas Storage Valuation Using a Monte Carlo Method' by A. Boogert & C. de Jong (2006) May 22nd, 2008 Speaker: Dmitrii Silvestrov Title: 'Optimal Pricing of American Type Options for Modulated Price Processes' Abstract: This lecture presents a survey of the latest results on option optimal pricing for modulated price processes achieved by the author and his collaborators. These results are: discovery of multi-threshold structure of optimal stopping strategies for option models with general convex payoffs and formulation of conditions, which implicate multi- and one-threshold structures for optimal stopping strategies; introduction and investigation of new models of pricing processes modulated by semi-Markov market indices; obtaining of skeleton approximations, uniform with respect to a perturbation parameter, for continuous- and discrete-time option pricing models; finding of new effective general conditions for convergence of option reward functions; constraction of effective Monte Carlo algorithms for pricing of options based on information about structure of optimal stopping domains, experimental software for pricing of options, and the latest achievements are connected with stochastic models for reselling of options. May 15th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 10 'Interest-Rate Models') May 2nd, 2008 'Lunch at the Lab' in conjunction with North/South Dialog Meeting (Friday-Saturday, May2-3, U of C): Mathematical Finance Session ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2008 April 24th, 2008 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 8 'Simulation Techniques', sec.8.4 'Simulation of Particular Processes') April 17th, 2008 Speaker: Alexandru Badescu Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' ('Simulation of Generalized Hyperbolic Processes') April 10th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 8: 'Simulation Techniques', Sections 8.1-8.3.) April 3rd, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 7: 'Levy Models with Stochastic Volatility') March 27th, 2008 Speaker: James Pang Title: -Value, Trading Strategies and Financial Investment of Natural Gas -Storage Assets March 20th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives', (Section 5.4.-5.5.: 'Adding an Additional Term' and 'Examples of OU Processes'& Chapter 6: 'Stock Price Models Driven by Levy Processes') March 13th, 2008 Speaker: Andrei Badescu Title: 'Return Probabilities of Stochastic Fluid Flows and Their Use in Collective Risk Theory' March 6th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 5: 'Levy Processes and OU Processes', section 5.3. Examples of Levy proceses ) February 28th, 2008 Speaker: Matt Lyle Book Review: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 4: "Imperfections of the Black-Scholes Model") Paper Review: Empirical properties of asset returns: stylized facts and statistical issues (Quant. Finance, 2001, 1, pp.1-14). February 14th, 2008 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 5: Levy Processes and OU Proceses) February 7th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter 3: The Black-Scholes Model) January 31st, 2008 Speaker: Alexandru Badescu Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter II: Financial Mathematics in Continuous Time) January 24th, 2008 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Levy Processes in Finance. Pricing Financial Derivatives' (Chapter I: Introduction) ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2007 November 22nd, 2007 Speaker: Greg Orosi November 15th, 2007 Speaker: Li Xu Paper Review November 8th, 2007 Speaker: Hong Miao Title: 'Investment timing under regime switching' November 1st, 2007 Speaker: Hua Li Title: 'Application of fuzzy sets in finance' October 25th, 2007 Speaker: Anatoliy Swischuk Title: 'Pricing of variance swaps for stochastic volatilites with delay and jumps ' October 18th, 2007 Speaker: Hua Li Paper Review: -'Pricing and hedging derivative securities in markets with uncertain volatilites' by Avellaneda M., Levy A. and Paras A. (Appl. Math. Finance, 1995) -'Uncertain parameters, an empirical stochastic volatility model and confidence limits' by Wilmott P. and Oztukel A. (1998) October 11th, 2007 - PRMIA Students Research Presentations Presentation 1 Speaker: Scott MacDonald Presentation 2 Speaker: Hong Miao Presentation 3 Speaker: Greg Orosi October 4th, 2007 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'Modelling Natural Gas Markets II' September 27th, 2007 Speaker: Alexandru Badescu Title: 'Risk neutral measures for GARCH option pricing with normal variance-mean mixture examples' September 20th, 2007 Speaker: Tony Ware Title: 'Modelling Natural Gas Markets' Spring/Summer 2007 August 8th, 2007 Speaker: Lu Zhao Title: 'Modelling and Pricing of Variance and Volatility Swaps for Stochastic Volatilities with Jumps' July 18th, 2007 Speaker: Hua Li Paper Review: - "Pricing European options based on the fuzzy pattern of Black-Scholes formula" (Wu 2004). -"Using fuzzy sets theory and Black-Scholes formula to generate pricing boundaries of European options" (Wu 2007). July 11th, 2007 Speaker: Yuyuan Ouyang Title: 'European and Swing Option Pricing under mean-reverting jump diffusion models' June 20th, 2007 Speaker: Matt Lyle Title: -'A Brief Highlight of the "Mathematics of Electricity Supply & Pricing" Workshop in Surfers Paradise, Australia, 2007' -'The Decomposition of Electricity Prices: A Master of Science Thesis Preview' ----------------------------------------------------------- Winter 2007 April 1st, 2007 Presentation 1 Speaker: Yuyuan Ouyang Title: 'Swing Option Pricing under Jump-Diffusion Models' Presentation 2 Speaker: Greg Orosi Title: 'Are Options Mispriced?' Presentation 3 Speaker: Leunglung Chan Title: 'Option Pricing for GARCH Models with Markov Switching' Presentation 4 Speaker: Hong Miao Title: 'VaR and CVaR: A Non-Normal Regime Switching Framework' March 28th, 2007 Presentation 1 Speaker: Li Xu Title: 'Pricing Variance Swaps for Stochastic Volatilities with Delay and Jumps' Presentation 2 Speaker: Lu Zhao Title: 'Variance Swaps for Mean -Reverting Jump-Diffusion Models' Presentation 3 Speaker: Scott MacDonald Title: 'Time Scale Decomposition of Economic Relationships Using Wavelet Analysis' March 21st, 2007 Speaker: Greg Orosi Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 11: 'Credit Risk in Energy Markets') March 14th, 2007 Speaker: Li Xu Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 10: 'Value at Risk') March 7th, 2007 Speaker: Lu Zhao Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 9: 'Risk Management of Energy Derivatives') February 28th, 2007 Speaker: Matt Lyle Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 8: Forward Curve Models) February 14th, 2007 Speaker: Yuyuan Ouyang Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 7: Spot Price Models: Pricing Path Dependence and American Style Options) February 7th, 2007 Speaker: Leunglung Chan Title: 'Regime-Switching GARCH Models' January 31st, 2007 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 6: Spot Price Models and Pricing Standard Instruments) January 24th, 2007 Speaker: Lu Zhao Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 5: Energy Derivatives: Structures and Applications) January 12th, 2007 Speaker: Mahmoud Hamada Title: 'Real Options Theory and Electricity Forwards' ----------------------------------------------------------- Fall 2006 December 5th, 2006 Speaker: Xu Li Title: Book Review: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 4: 'Energy Forward Curves') November 28th, 2006 Speaker: Anatoliy Swischuk Title: 'Energy Derivatives' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 3: 'Volatility Estimation in Energy Markets') November 21st, 2006 Speaker: Yuyuan Ouyang Title: 'Energy Derivatives: Pricing and Risk Management' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 2: 'Understanding and Analysing Spot) Pricing' November 7th, 2006 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: 'Energy Derivatives: Pricing and Risk Management' by Clewlow and Strickland, 2000. (Chapter 1: 'Introduction to Energy Derivatives and Fundamentals of Modelling and Pricing') October 31st, 2006 Speaker: Greg Orosi Title: 'Survey of Local Volatility Models' Abstract: In my talk I'll go over a survey of local volatility models (polynomial, spline, penalized spline). Also, I'll touch on the volatility smile problem and calibration of models to current option prices. October 24th, 2006 Speaker: Lu Zhao Title: "A Benchmark Approach to Finance", Math. Finance, vol 16, N1 (Jan 2006) Abstract: This paper derives a unified framework for portfolio optimization, derivative pricing, financial modelling, and risk management. October 17th, 2006 Speaker: Anatoliy Swischuk Title: Stochastic Volatilities with Delay (SVD): Modelling and Pricing of Variance Swaps for MFSVD" (Part II). Abstract: Variance swaps for financial markets with underlying asset and multi-factor stochastic volatilities with delay are modelled and priced in this talk. We obtain some analytical closed forms for the expectations and variances of the realized continuously sampled variances for multi-factor stochastic volatilities with delay. As applications, we provide numerical examples using the S&P60 Canada Index (1998-2002) to price variance swaps with delay for all these models. October 10th, 2006 Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk Title: "Stochastic Volatilities with Delay (SVD): Modelling and Pricing of Variance Swaps for SVD" (Part I). Abstract: Modelling and pricing of variance swaps for financial markets with underlying asset and stochastic volatilities with delay are discussed in this talk. We found some analytical close forms for expectation and variance of the realized continuously sampled variance for stochastic volatility with delay both in stationary regime and in general case. The key features of the stochastic volatility model with delay are the following: i) continuous-time analogue of discrete-time GARCH model; ii) mean-reversion; iii) contains the same source of randomness as stock price; iv) market is complete; v) incorporates the expectation of log-return. As applications, we provide two numerical examples using$S\&P60$Canada Index (1998-2002) and$S\&P500\$ Index (1990-1993) to price variance swaps with delay.

October 3rd, 2006

Presentation 1

Speaker: Matt Lyle

Title: "Three electricity spot price models: Evidence from the PJM and Alberta markets" (Part II).

Presentation 2

Speaker: Lu Zhao

Journal Review:

-Mathematical Finance (Jan/April/July/Oct 2006).

-Journal of Quantitative Finance (Aug/Oct/Dec 2005, Feb/April/June/Aug/Oct 2006).

September 26th, 2006

Presentation 1

Speaker: Matt Lyle

Title: "Cycle Detection and Removal in Electricity Prices" (Part 1)

Presentation 2

Speaker: Yuyuan Ouyang

Journal Review:

-Finance & Stochastics (Volume 10, Jan/Apr/Sep 2006)

-International Journal of Theoretical & Applied Finance (Volume 9, Feb/Mar/May/Jun/Aug/Sep  2006)

Spring/Summer 2006 July 7th, 2006

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: "Commodity Swaptions, Swing Contracts and Real Options in the Energy Industry" (Chapter 5 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

June 23rd, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swischuk

Title: "Spot and Forward Electgricity Market" (Chapter 11 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

June 9th, 2006

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: "The Gas Market" (Chapter 10 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

June 2nd, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: "The Oil Market as a World Market" (Chapter 9 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

May 26th, 2006

Speaker: Alex David

Title: "Agricaltural Commody Markets and The Structure of Metal Markets and Metal Prices" (Chapter 7-8 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

May 19th, 2006

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: "Monte Carlo Simulations and Analytical Formulae for Asian, Barrier and Quanto Options" (Chapter 6 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives")

May 12th, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: "Risk-Neutral Valuation of Plain-Vanilla Options" (Chapter 5 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives").

May 5th, 2006

Speaker: Traian A. Pirvu

Title: "Maximizing portfolio growth rate under risk constraints."

Abstract: This work studies the problem of optimal investment subject to risk constraints: Value-at-Risk, Tail Value-at-Risk and Limited Expected Loss. We get closed-form solutions for this problem, and find that the optimal policy is a projection of the optimal portfolio of an unconstrained log agent (the Merton proportion) onto the constraint set, with respect to the inner product induced by the variance-covariance volatilities matrix of the risky assets. In the more complicated situation of constraint sets depending on the current wealth level, we maximize the growth rate of portfolio subject to these risk constraints. We extend the analysis to a market with random coefficients, which is not necessarily complete. We also perform a robust control analysis. We find that a trader subject to Value-at-Risk and Tail Value-at-Risk is allowed to incur some risk. A trader faced with the Limited Expected Loss constraint behaves more conservatively and does not exhibit the above behavior. This is a joint work with Steven Shreve and Gordan Zitkovic.

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Winter 2006 April 28th, 2006

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: "Option pricing: from stocks to commodities" (Chapter 4 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives").

April 21st, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: "Stochastic modeling of commodity price processes" (Chapter 3 of Helyette Geman'sbook "Commodities and commodity derivatives").

April 7th, 2006

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: "Commodity and commodity derivatives" (Chapter 2 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives").

March 31st, 2006

Speaker: Greg Orosi

Title: "Retrieving the implied volatility surface using splines."

Abstract: Since its publication, the Black- Scholes option pricing formula has been widely used in the industry. However, there is much empirical evidence that the model is too simplistic because of the constant volatility assumption. In this talk I'll describe an improvement over the Black-Scholes pricing framework that uses cubic splines to estimate the implied volatility surface from option prices. I'll also describe an optimization method called genetic algorithm and how this can be applied to the above problem.

March 24th, 2006

Speaker: Jennie La

Title: "Pricing of asian options."

Abstract: Option pricing still remains an important problem for researchers, in particular, the options being considered may not have closed-form expressions, so it is difficult to price these options analytically. For this reason, numerical techniques such as simulations are often used for option pricing. This talk will introduce the type of simulation methods used, in particular, for pricing Asian options. In addition, this talk will show how simulation methods can be improved upon by introducing variance reduction techniques, specifically importance sampling. By applying variance reduction techniques to simulation methods, the price of the option can be accurately estimated and the computation time can be reduced.

March 17th, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swischuk

Title: "Fundamentals of commodity spot and futures markets: instruments, exchanges and strategies". (Chapter 1 of Helyette Geman's book "Commodities and commodity derivatives"

March 3rd, 2006

Speaker: Matt Davison

Title: "Success and failure (in modelling) deregulated electricity markets."

Abstract: Deregulated Energy Markets provide many opportunities and challenges - for mathematician and maker of public policy alike. In this talk I will describe the electricity markets work done in my group at UWO over the last six years, while placing this work in its broader economic and political context. The energy markets work we have done at UWO sits at the intersection of financial mathematics, operational research, and engineering. Our work has two main threads. We have developed a discrete - time model for spot electricity prices sitting between the old-fashioned "stack"-based models of regulated electricity markets and a fully econometric model appropriate to mature financial markets. I will describe the resulting "hybrid" model and some of its lessons. I will also describe our second, continuous-time, approach to energy markets. There we use classical dynamic programming tools to study the optimal control of electricity generating assets. In each case I will discuss obvious next steps as well as existing results. I will conclude my talk by discussing some crucial (though non-mathematical) aspects of electricity finance. These include lessons of Ontario's largely failed deregulation experiment not only for energy modelers but also for public policy wonks. I will also discuss some promising technological and policy developments which suggest that, for electricity deregulation, "better luck next time" might be more than just empty words.

February 17th, 2006

Speaker: Gordana Dmitrasinovic-Vidovic and Tony Ware

Title: Portfolio optimisation for log-normal and mean-reverting assets with respect to downside risk measures.

Abstract: We consider managed portfolios of log- normal and mean-reverting assets, optimised with reference to various risk measures, but most notably quantile-based risk measures such as Capital-at- Risk and Value-at-Risk. These risk measures focus attention on the downside tail of the distribution of future portfolio values and are important for regulatory purposes. We give formulae for constructing optimal portfolios for specific choices of risk measure and explore some implications. Some of this work can be found in `Asymptotic behaviour of mean-quantile efficient portfolios' (D-V & W), to appear in Finance and Stochastics.

February 10th, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Paper Review: "On the pricing and hedging of volatility derivatives" by S. Howison, A. Rafailidis and H. Rasmussen (2004).

February 3rd, 2006

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Paper Review: "Parameter estimation in a stochastic drift hidden Markov model with a cap" by J. Hernandez, D. Suanders and L. Seco (2005).

January 27th, 2006

Speaker: Matthew Zhao

Title: Variance and volatility swaps for markets with jumps.

January 20th, 2006

Speaker: Lance Ouyang

Title: Mean-reverting models in finance with jumps.

Abstract: Mean-reverting models are important in finance, and are widely used in energy markets. I will give anpresentation on mean-reverting models, mainly one-factor and two-factor Pilipovic models and their applications to obtaining explicit European option pricing formulae. A one-factor mean-reverting model with jumps will also be introduced.

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Fall 2005 6th December, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Girsanov's Theorem: from game theory to finance.

29th November, 2005

Speaker: Tsung-lin Cheng

Title: Statistical aspects of the GARCH model.

22nd November, 2005

Speaker: Andrew Royal

Title: Utility maximization in incomplete markets.

15th November, 2005

Speaker: Hong Miao

Title: A volatility model with Markov switching.

8th November, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Explicit option pricing formula for mean-reverting assets.

1st November, 2005

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: Options with continuous exercise.

Abstract: I will present an alternative formulation of the american option as a limiting case of continuously-exercisable options. This class of options can also be used to model gas-storage contracts and also includes swing options as a special case. I will show that the value of such an option may be found by solving a semilinear PDE (c.f. Benth et. al., Finance and Stochastics, 2003 for the american option case), and I will illustrate some numerical solutions of such equations.

25th October, 2005

Speaker: Matthew Lu

Paper review: "A Comparison of Two Quadratic Approaches to Hedging in Incomplete Markets" by D. Heath, E. Platen and M. Schweizer (Math. Finance, vol. 11, N.4, 2001)

18th October, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Change of time method: Applications in mathematical finance

Abstract: I am going to give an introduction to the change of time method in the martingale and SDE settings and to show how it works for different kind of models and problems arising in mathematical finance. The first part contains applications to Black-Scholes model and Heston model. The second part will contain application to the mean-reverting model and option pricing.

11th October, 2005

Speaker: Lance Ouyuang.

Paper review: "Convergence of Monte-Carlo Simulations Involving the Mean-Reverting Square Root Process" by D. J. Higham and X. Mao (J. Computational Finance, 2005).

4th October, 2005

Speaker: Cody Hyndman

Title: Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equations and the Cox-Ingersoll-Ross Model.

27th September, 2005

Speaker: Yuyuan (Lance) Ouyuang and Zhao (Matthew) Lu

Abstract: A review recent issues of Finance and Stochastics, the Journal of Computational Finance, Mathematical Finance and the Journal of Quantitative Finance.

20th September, 2005

Speaker: Leunglung Chan

Title: Pricing Volatility Swaps Under Heston's Volatility Model with Regime Switching (this talk is based on joint paper with Robert Elliott and Tak Kuen Siu).

Spring/Summer 2005 This summer the Finance Lab will read select chapters from Foundations of Modern Probability (Springer, 2002, 2nd ed.) by Olav Kallenberg. July 21st, 2005

Chapter 26: Semimartingales and General Stochastic Integration.

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

July 14th, 2005

Chapter 24: Connections with PDEs and Potential Theory.

Speaker: Ka Chun Cheung

July 7th, 2005

Chapter 23: One-Dimensional Stochastic Differential Equations and Diffusions.

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

June 30th, 2005

Chapter 21: Stochastic Differential Equations and Martingale Problems

Speaker: Ka Chun Cheung

June 23rd, 2005

Chapter 19: Feller processes and semigroups.

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

June 16th, 2005

Chapter 18: Continuous martingales and Brownian motion

Speaker: Ka Chun Cheung

June 9th, 2005

Chapter 17: Stochastic integrals and quadratic variation.

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

June 2nd, 2005

Chapter 13: Gaussian Processes and Brownian Motion.

Speaker: Ka Chun Cheung

May 26th, 2005

Chapter 12: Poisson and pure jump-type Markov processes.

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

May 18th, 2005

Chapter 7: Martingales and optional times.

Speaker: Ka Chun Cheung

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Winter 2005 April 21st, 2005

Speaker: Miro Powojowski

Title: How to calculate the vega without working too hard.

April 14th, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Yet one more derivation of Black-Scholes formula: change of time method.

Abstract: I am going to present yet one more derivation of the well-known Black-Scholes formula using a change-of-time method.

April 7th, 2005

Speaker: Robert Elliott

Title: Cutting the hedge.

Abstract: We shall describe a short empirical way of calculating the delta.

March 31st, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Mean-Reverting Models in Financial and Energy Markets.

March 24th, 2005

Speaker: Hua Li

Title: Numerical Methods for Parabolic Integro-Differential Equations (PIDEs).

Abstract: Parabolic integro-differential equations(PIDEs) have been used in option pricing when the underlying price process has jumps. In this talk, we introduce various numerical methods for solving them that have appeared in the literature, and summarize the corresponding advantages and drawbacks. We will conclude that the wavelet-Galerkin (or wavelet-Petrov-Galerkin) method is preferable to finite-difference and finite- element approaches.

March 17th, 2005

Speaker: Cheung, Ka Chun

Title: Ordering optimal proportions in the asset allocation problem with dependent default risks.

March 10th, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Explicit Option Pricing Formula for Mean-Reverting Asset.

Abstract: Unlike stock price, some commodity prices (i.e., oil and gas) exibit mean-reversion, i.e., they tend over time to return to some long-term mean. We consider a risky asset following a mean-reverting stochastic process S(t) described by the following stochastic differential equation dS(t)=a(L-S(t))dt+\sigma S(t)dW(t), where W is a standard Wiener process, \sigma>0 is the volatility, constant L is callled the 'long-term mean' of the process, to which it reverts over time, and a>0 measures the 'strength' of mean reversion.

Using change of time method we find the explicit solution to this equation and using this solution we are able to find the explicit option pricing formula.

We are going to apply our solution to the calculation of the values of a European call option on the price of a daily natural gas contract, using futures prices for the AECO Natural Gas Index for the period 1 May 1998 to 30 April 1999.

March 3rd, 2005

Speaker: Leung Leung Chan

Title: Option Pricing and Esscher Transform under Regime Switching.

February 17th, 2005

Speaker: Tony Ware

Title: Pricing options on mean-reverting assets using the finite element method.

February 10th, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Paper Review: "New Insight into Smile, Mispricing, and Value at Risk: The Hyperbolic Model" by E. Eberlein, U. Keller and K. Prause (1998).

February 1st, 2005

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Levy Processes-From Probability to Finance.

January 27rd, 2005

Speaker: Graham Weir

Title: The Valuation of Petroleum Lease Contracts as Real Options.

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Fall 2004 December 16th, 2004

Speaker: Gordon Sick

Title: Calibrating mean-reverting models to NYMEX oil and gas futures and options.

December 9th, 2004

Speaker: Guanghui Quan

Title: Nine Ways to implement the binomial method for option valuation in MATLAB (based on Higham's SIAM review paper).

December 2nd, 2004

Speaker: Gordana Dmitrasinovic-Vidovic

Title: Portfolio optimization under downside risk measures.

November 25th, 2004

12pm

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Stability of Financial Models

Abstract: Stochastic stability of financial models will be considered in this talk. In particular, stochastic stability of interest rates (including Vasicek, Cox-Ingersoll-Ross, etc.) and their generalization on the case of models with jumps will be discussed .

1pm

Speaker: Paul Malcolm

Title: New Gaussian Mixture Techniques For Filtering and Smoothing Of Discrete-Time Gauss-Markov Jump Markov Systems.

November 18th, 2004

Speaker: Gergely Orosi

Title: Neural networks in finance.

November 4th, 2004 - Finance Research Seminar

Speaker: Matt Spiegel

Title: Improved forecasting of mutual fund alphas and betas.

October 28th, 2004

Speaker: Anatoliy Swishchuk

Title: Financial Markets with Stochastic Volatilities.

October 21st, 2004 - Finance Research Seminar

Speaker: Lisa Kramer

Title: Investing Confidence in the Ex Ante Equity Premium: A New Methodology and a Narrower Range of Estimates.

October 14th, 2004

Speaker: Lei Xiong

Title: Calibration of energy price processes using jump-diffusion models

October 7th, 2004

Speaker: Gordon Sick

Title: Calibrating mean-reverting models to NYMEX oil and gas futures and options.