Optimal Option Portfolio Strategies: Deepening the Puzzle of Index Option Mispricing

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
Year: 2017
Volume: 52
Issue: 1
Pages: 277-303

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

Traditional methods of asset allocation (such as mean–variance optimization) are not adequate for option portfolios because the distribution of returns is non-normal and the short sample of option returns available makes it difficult to estimate their distribution. We propose a method to optimize a portfolio of European options, held to maturity, with a myopic objective function that overcomes these limitations. In an out-of-sample exercise incorporating realistic transaction costs, the portfolio strategy delivers a Sharpe ratio of 0.82 with positive skewness. This performance is mostly obtained by exploiting mispricing between options and not by loading on jump or volatility risk premia.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jfinqa:v:52:y:2017:i:01:p:277-303_00
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25