9759 Bayesian Option Pricing Using Asymmetric

This paper shows how one can compute option prices from a Bayesian inference viewpoint, using an econometric model for the dynamics of the return and of the volatility of the underlying asset. The proposed evaluation of an option is the predictive expectation of its payoo function. The predictive distribution of this function provides a natural metric with respect to which the predictive option price, or other option evaluations, can be gauged. The proposed method is compared to the Black and Scholes evaluation, in which a predictive mean volatility is plugged, but which does not provide a natural metric. The methods are illustrated using an asymmetric GARCH model with a data set on a stock index in Brussels. The persistence of the volatility process is linked to the prediction horizon and to the option maturity. Support of the European Commission Human Capital and Mobility Program through the network \Econometric inference using simulation methods" is gratefully acknowledged. While remaining responsible for any error, the authors wish to thank and CORE for useful remarks and suggestions.