# How does a concave up volatility smile correct high kurtosis for ATM option contracts?

Theoretically speaking, if we are to assume the following:

• Constant implied volatility throughout all strike prices
• The underlying's prices change distribution is log-leptokurtic and symmetric

Then graphing the expected return of each strike price should generate some sort of quasi-exponential curve. For calls, as the strike prices tend toward zero, expected return approaches the expected return of the underlying. For puts, as the strike prices tend toward infinity, expected return approaches the expected return of the underlying (or the risk free rate). As the strikes tend toward the opposite direction of the previous example, expected return should approach infinity (again, I am speaking theoretically). Please correct me if my logic is wrong here. But if I am correct, how does a parabolic implied volatility curve correct this quasi-exponential return curve?

P.S.

When I say expected return I am assuming the integral of exponential returns:

$$$$E[dS] = \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}{[exp(dS)\times P(dS)]\:d^2S}$$$$

• Hi, just my two cents : I think that constant (Black Scholes) implied volatility implies normal log returns of the underlying. If I am correct, then you might need to reformulate the assumptions. (I think) – Kermittfrog Nov 27 '20 at 20:23
• It was a cause and effect example. If we make these assumption, this is what will happen. These were the assumptions prior to 1987, my question was just asking how does a concave up volatility smile correct the expected return curve we see under these assumptions. – brickbobed Nov 27 '20 at 20:34
• Ok; i think i misread your Post; sorry – Kermittfrog Nov 27 '20 at 20:54