A3.11 B3.16

Stochastic Financial Models
Part II, 2004

(i) Consider a single-period binomial model of a riskless asset (asset 0 ), worth 1 at time 0 and 1+r1+r at time 1 , and a risky asset (asset 1 ), worth 1 at time 0 and worth uu at time 1 if the period was good, otherwise worth dd. Assuming that

d<1+r<ud<1+r<u

show how any contingent claim YY to be paid at time 1 can be priced and exactly replicated. Briefly explain the significance of the condition ()(*), and indicate how the analysis of the single-period model extends to many periods.

(ii) Now suppose that u=5/3,d=2/3,r=1/3u=5 / 3, d=2 / 3, r=1 / 3, and that the risky asset is worth S0=864=25×33S_{0}=864=2^{5} \times 3^{3} at time zero. Show that the time- 0 value of an American put option with strike K=S0K=S_{0} and expiry at time t=3t=3 is equal to 79 , and find the optimal exercise policy.