scholarly journals Optimal stopping for the exponential of a Brownian bridge

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 361-384
Author(s):  
Tiziano de Angelis ◽  
Alessandro Milazzo

AbstractWe study the problem of stopping a Brownian bridge X in order to maximise the expected value of an exponential gain function. The problem was posed by Ernst and Shepp (2015), and was motivated by bond selling with non-negative prices.Due to the non-linear structure of the exponential gain, we cannot rely on methods used in the literature to find closed-form solutions to other problems involving the Brownian bridge. Instead, we must deal directly with a stopping problem for a time-inhomogeneous diffusion. We develop techniques based on pathwise properties of the Brownian bridge and martingale methods of optimal stopping theory, which allow us to find the optimal stopping rule and to show the regularity of the value function.

1993 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Szajowski

A problem of optimal stopping of the discrete-time Markov process by two decision-makers (Player 1 and Player 2) in a competitive situation is considered. The zero-sum game structure is adopted. The gain function depends on states chosen by both decision-makers. When both players want to accept the realization of the Markov process at the same moment, the priority is given to Player 1. The construction of the value function and the optimal strategies for the players are given. The Markov chain case is considered in detail. An example related to the generalized secretary problem is solved.


1993 ◽  
Vol 25 (02) ◽  
pp. 438-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Szajowski

A problem of optimal stopping of the discrete-time Markov process by two decision-makers (Player 1 and Player 2) in a competitive situation is considered. The zero-sum game structure is adopted. The gain function depends on states chosen by both decision-makers. When both players want to accept the realization of the Markov process at the same moment, the priority is given to Player 1. The construction of the value function and the optimal strategies for the players are given. The Markov chain case is considered in detail. An example related to the generalized secretary problem is solved.


2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (03) ◽  
pp. 885-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomomi Matsui ◽  
Katsunori Ano

In this note we present a bound of the optimal maximum probability for the multiplicative odds theorem of optimal stopping theory. We deal with an optimal stopping problem that maximizes the probability of stopping on any of the last m successes of a sequence of independent Bernoulli trials of length N, where m and N are predetermined integers satisfying 1 ≤ m < N. This problem is an extension of Bruss' (2000) odds problem. In a previous work, Tamaki (2010) derived an optimal stopping rule. We present a lower bound of the optimal probability. Interestingly, our lower bound is attained using a variation of the well-known secretary problem, which is a special case of the odds problem.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (08) ◽  
pp. 1450055
Author(s):  
Fabian Astic ◽  
Agnès Tourin

We propose a framework for analyzing the credit risk of secured loans with maximum loan-to-value covenants. Here, we do not assume that the collateral can be liquidated as soon as the maximum loan-to-value is breached. Closed-form solutions for the expected loss are obtained for nonrevolving loans. In the revolving case, we introduce a minimization problem with an objective function parameterized by a risk reluctance coefficient, capturing the trade-off between minimizing the expected loss incurred in the event of liquidation and maximizing the interest gain. Using stochastic control techniques, we derive the partial integro-differential equation satisfied by the value function, and solve it numerically with a finite difference scheme. The experimental results and their comparison with a standard loan-to-value-based lending policy suggest that stricter lending decisions would benefit the lender.


2010 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Helmes ◽  
Richard H. Stockbridge

A new approach to the solution of optimal stopping problems for one-dimensional diffusions is developed. It arises by imbedding the stochastic problem in a linear programming problem over a space of measures. Optimizing over a smaller class of stopping rules provides a lower bound on the value of the original problem. Then the weak duality of a restricted form of the dual linear program provides an upper bound on the value. An explicit formula for the reward earned using a two-point hitting time stopping rule allows us to prove strong duality between these problems and, therefore, allows us to either optimize over these simpler stopping rules or to solve the restricted dual program. Each optimization problem is parameterized by the initial value of the diffusion and, thus, we are able to construct the value function by solving the family of optimization problems. This methodology requires little regularity of the terminal reward function. When the reward function is smooth, the optimal stopping locations are shown to satisfy the smooth pasting principle. The procedure is illustrated using two examples.


2018 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. 93-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana Dumitrescu ◽  
Marie-Claire Quenez ◽  
Agnès Sulem

We study pricing and hedging for American options in an imperfect market model with default, where the imperfections are taken into account via the nonlinearity of the wealth dynamics. The payoff is given by an RCLL adapted process (ξt). We define the seller's price of the American option as the minimum of the initial capitals which allow the seller to build up a superhedging portfolio. We prove that this price coincides with the value function of an optimal stopping problem with a nonlinear expectation 𝓔g (induced by a BSDE), which corresponds to the solution of a nonlinear reflected BSDE with obstacle (ξt). Moreover, we show the existence of a superhedging portfolio strategy. We then consider the buyer's price of the American option, which is defined as the supremum of the initial prices which allow the buyer to select an exercise time τ and a portfolio strategy φ so that he/she is superhedged. We show that the buyer's price is equal to the value function of an optimal stopping problem with a nonlinear expectation, and that it can be characterized via the solution of a reflected BSDE with obstacle (ξt). Under the additional assumption of left upper semicontinuity along stopping times of (ξt), we show the existence of a super-hedge (τ, φ) for the buyer.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2150049
Author(s):  
Siham Bouhadou ◽  
Youssef Ouknine

In the first part of this paper, we study RBSDEs in the case where the filtration is non-quasi-left-continuous and the lower obstacle is given by a predictable process. We prove the existence and uniqueness by using some results of optimal stopping theory in the predictable setting, some tools from general theory of processes as the Mertens decomposition of predictable strong supermartingale. In the second part, we introduce an optimal stopping problem indexed by predictable stopping times with the nonlinear predictable [Formula: see text] expectation induced by an appropriate backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE). We establish some useful properties of [Formula: see text]-supremartingales. Moreover, we show the existence of an optimal predictable stopping time, and we characterize the predictable value function in terms of the first component of RBSDEs studied in the first part.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Meng ◽  
Ming Zhou ◽  
Tak Kuen Siu

A combined optimal dividend/reinsurance problem with two types of insurance claims, namely the expected premium principle and the variance premium principle, is discussed. Dividend payments are considered with both fixed and proportional transaction costs. The objective of an insurer is to determine an optimal dividend–reinsurance policy so as to maximize the expected total value of discounted dividend payments to shareholders up to ruin time. The problem is formulated as an optimal regular-impulse control problem. Closed-form solutions for the value function and optimal dividend–reinsurance strategy are obtained in some particular cases. Finally, some numerical analysis is given to illustrate the effects of safety loading on optimal reinsurance strategy.


2010 ◽  
Vol 42 (01) ◽  
pp. 158-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Helmes ◽  
Richard H. Stockbridge

A new approach to the solution of optimal stopping problems for one-dimensional diffusions is developed. It arises by imbedding the stochastic problem in a linear programming problem over a space of measures. Optimizing over a smaller class of stopping rules provides a lower bound on the value of the original problem. Then the weak duality of a restricted form of the dual linear program provides an upper bound on the value. An explicit formula for the reward earned using a two-point hitting time stopping rule allows us to prove strong duality between these problems and, therefore, allows us to either optimize over these simpler stopping rules or to solve the restricted dual program. Each optimization problem is parameterized by the initial value of the diffusion and, thus, we are able to construct the value function by solving the family of optimization problems. This methodology requires little regularity of the terminal reward function. When the reward function is smooth, the optimal stopping locations are shown to satisfy the smooth pasting principle. The procedure is illustrated using two examples.


2005 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 123-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTIN DAHLGREN ◽  
RALF KORN

The valuation of a Swing option for stocks under the additional constraint of a minimum time distance between two different exercise times is considered. We give an explicit characterization of its pricing function as the value function of a multiple optimal stopping problem. The solution of this problem is related to a system of variational inequalities. We prove existence of a solution to this system and discuss the numerical implementation of a valuation algorithm.


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