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Optimal investment problems and volatility homogenization approximations

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Modern Methods in Scientific Computing and Applications

Part of the book series: NATO Science Series ((NAII,volume 75))

Abstract

We describe some stochastic control problems in financial engineering arising from the need to find investment strategies to optimize some goal. Typically, these problems are characterized by nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equations, and often they can be reduced to linear PDEs with the Legendre transform of convex duality. One situation where this cannot be achieved is in a market with stochastic volatility. In this case, we discuss an approximation using asymptotic analysis in the limit of fast mean-reversion of the process driving volatility. Simulations illustrate that marginal improvement can be achieved with this approach even when volatility is not fluctuating that rapidly.

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Jonsson, M., Sircar, R. (2002). Optimal investment problems and volatility homogenization approximations. In: Bourlioux, A., Gander, M.J., Sabidussi, G. (eds) Modern Methods in Scientific Computing and Applications. NATO Science Series, vol 75. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0510-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0510-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-0782-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-010-0510-4

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