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This was an exam question at Cambridge University.

Let $S_t = S_0 \exp \left(\sigma W_t + (r-\dfrac{1}{2}\sigma^2) \right)$ and a bank account returns a continuously-compounded rate of interest $r$. Consider the derivative which pays

$Y = (\exp(T^{-1}\int^T_0\log(S_u)\text{d}u) - K)^+$ at time T.

What is the time-0 price for this derivative, and show it is less than the price of a European call.

The price of this, if I am not wrong, is

$S_0\exp(-\dfrac{1}{2}(r+\sigma^2/6)T) N(d_2) - Ke^{-rT}F(-d_1)$

where $d_1 = \log(K/S_0-1/2(r-\sigma^2)T)/(\sigma\sqrt{T/3})$ and $d_2 = -d_1+\sigma\sqrt{T/3}$.

I don't see how this is less than the European call.

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  • $\begingroup$ Hi, the pay-off that you describe here is that of an Asian option with geometric averaging. Maybe I find time to formulate an answer later. $\endgroup$
    – Richi Wa
    Dec 16, 2013 at 7:59
  • $\begingroup$ @Richard thank you $\endgroup$
    – Lost1
    Dec 16, 2013 at 11:16
  • $\begingroup$ @Richard nudge if you cba, a reference would also do. $\endgroup$
    – Lost1
    Dec 23, 2013 at 13:38
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    $\begingroup$ The volatility of this product is sigmasqrt(T/3), which is smaller than that of the European option sigmasqrt(T). Thus the price of it should be lower than that of the European option. $\endgroup$
    – user6908
    Jan 6, 2014 at 12:19

1 Answer 1

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  • first - a nice and short note for the calculation can be found here.

  • second: what do they mean by cheaper? The pay-off is different - so what can we compare. The only meaning is that if the stock has an implied volatility of $\sigma$ then the continuously sampled Asian option has an implied vol of $\sigma/3$ (check your $d_1$ there is something wrong in the numerator). So we can say that given the same moneyness the Asian option looks like a standard European option but with a third of its implied vol. Thus the Asian is cheaper.

Another reference Theory of Continuously-sampled Asian Option pricing.

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  • $\begingroup$ The 2nd ref does not open on my iPad. Will try again on a computer later. Thank you $\endgroup$
    – Lost1
    Dec 30, 2013 at 11:17
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    $\begingroup$ Google the title and you will get a download link. I can not post the direct link. $\endgroup$
    – Richi Wa
    Dec 30, 2013 at 11:54
  • $\begingroup$ Links are dead :( $\endgroup$
    – Bob Jansen ♦
    Jan 23, 2018 at 5:26
  • $\begingroup$ @BobJansen this is a pity. I didn't want to recite the content back then. A search points me to math.kth.se/matstat/seminarier/reports/M-exjobb12/120412a.pdf do you think I should replace the links ... or internet search such as "geometric asian option" for such a well known topic is enough? $\endgroup$
    – Richi Wa
    Jan 23, 2018 at 8:21
  • $\begingroup$ Ideally an answer is self-contained. Your second note still answers this question but I believe it's better with a more elaborate explanation of the calculation. $\endgroup$
    – Bob Jansen ♦
    Jan 23, 2018 at 9:01

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