The Relative Valuation of Caps and Swaptions: Theory and Empirical Evidence

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 2001
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 2067-2109

Authors (3)

Francis A. Longstaff (University of California-Los A...) Pedro Santa‐Clara (not in RePEc) Eduardo S. Schwartz (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Although traded as distinct products, caps and swaptions are linked by no‐arbitrage relations through the correlation structure of interest rates. Using a string market model, we solve for the correlation matrix implied by swaptions and examine the relative valuation of caps and swaptions. We find that swaption prices are generated by four factors and that implied correlations are lower than historical correlations. Long‐dated swaptions appear mispriced and there were major pricing distortions during the 1998 hedge‐fund crisis. Cap prices periodically deviate significantly from the no‐arbitrage values implied by the swaptions market.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:56:y:2001:i:6:p:2067-2109
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25