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this is a question from a quant interview (FO quant for IR Exotics for a big 4). First it might be useful when preparing your interviews, second, any brainstorming will be appreciated. Note that no more information other than the below was given.

Let us consider the following SDE:

$dS_t = \sigma(S_t) dW_t$

$S_0 = S(0)$

We are after $P = E(phi(S_1))$, the expectation of $phi(S_1)$.

Sigma and phi are some arbitrary functions, W is a Brownian motion.

Describe two algorithms that would (approximatively) compute P. One algorithm is a stochastic approach, the other one is a partial differential equation approach.

Code it (in C++ or Java).

  • My answer:

1.Simulate the underlying $S_i$

2.Get the $\sigma_i$ using some assumption on the functional form of $\sigma(S_t)$

3.Assume some distribution for the function PHI (for example that is normal) and get the price using the Moment Generating Function of the Normal -i.e. $E(e^X) = e^{\mu+\frac{1}{2}\sigma}$

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    $\begingroup$ Hi. I would go for (1) Monte Carlo simulations (pick a reasonable discretisation scheme) (2) Find and solve the pricing PDE by finite difference (get the PDE using a financial replication argument, or a mathematical argument à la Feynman-Kac if you're familiar with stochastic calculus). $\endgroup$
    – Quantuple
    Jul 29, 2016 at 13:29
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    $\begingroup$ Just a terminology point- "Stochastic Volatility" usually means that the volatility process, say $\sigma_t$, has additional stochastic drivers whereas the notation you use above suggests $\sigma_t = \sigma(S_t)$ is a deterministic function of $S_t$ (i.e. not a stoch vol model). $\endgroup$ Jul 30, 2016 at 10:47
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you. I guess Local Vol will be more precise. I'd like to hear your approach to the problem if you have any, or maybe any comment on my suggested approach? $\endgroup$
    – Toofreak
    Jul 30, 2016 at 16:34
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    $\begingroup$ You can use ito's lemma. You will end up with a ordinary PDE + brownian motion with a changed variance. From there you might have some programming experience to solve it? You could also transform this into a martingale using Girsanov transformation and find the expectation to be the initial start point. $\endgroup$
    – user408858
    Mar 19, 2021 at 16:04

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