Seminars & Groups

Why Care About Variance in Option Pricing?

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Date: 01-23-2006
Start Time: 6:00pm
End Time: 7:30pm
Speaker: Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Empirica Inc and University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Location: 412 Schapiro CEPSR, Davis Auditorium

ABSTRACT

This presentation shows how variance is neither necessary nor even relevant for pricing, hedging, and using option products. Furthermore, whether variance is infinite or finite makes minimal difference in a power law environment. We look at the inapplicability of the dynamic hedging paradigm to financial prices and derive conclusion on more robust option pricing and risk management.

BIO

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a veteran option trader. He is currently a Dean's Professor in the Sciences of Uncertainty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.