Probability and stochastic calculus
Summary
This course gives an introduction to probability theory and stochastic calculus in discrete and continuous time. The fundamental notions and techniques introduced in this course have many applications in finance, for example for option pricing, risk management and optimal portfolio choice.
Content
Topics include :
- Random variables, characteristic functions, limit theorems
- Markov processes and Markov chains
- Kalman filter
- Ito calculus
- Stochastic differential equations
- Girsanov theorem
- Jump processes
- Numerical simulation
Keywords
probability, Markov process, Ito formula, diffusion, change of measure, Brownian motion, Poisson process
Learning Prerequisites
Important concepts to start the course
A solid basis in calculus is very helpful.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Explain the stochastic integral with respect to a Brownian motion
- Explain the notion of an Ito processes with finite activity jumps and its quadratic variation
- Apply Ito's formula to multivariate Ito processes with finite activity jump
- Compute the stochastic exponential of an Ito process with finite activity jumps
- Explain the notion of a stochastic differential equation, the existence, uniqueness, and Markov property of its solution
- Apply the Feynman-Kac theorem on the stochastic representation of solutions to partial differential equations
- Solve a stochastic differential equation formally, for the linear case, and numerically, for the general case
- Explain the main pillars of stochastic calculus: Ito's formula and Girsanov's theorem
- Work out / Determine moment generating functions, conditional moment generating functions, conditional and unconditional moments for multi-dimensional random vectors
- Apply the Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem
Transversal skills
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
Teaching methods
Lectures, exercises, homework
Expected student activities
attendance at lectures, completing exercises
Assessment methods
- 40% midterm exam
- 60% final exam
Resources
Bibliography
Björk, T. (2004), "Arbitrage Theory in Continuous Time", Oxford University Press
Glasserman, P. (2004), "Monte Carlo Methods in Financial Engineering", SpringerVerlag
Lamberton, D. and Lapeyre, B. (2000), "Introduction to Stochastic Calculus Applied to Finance", Chapman&Hall/CRC
Oksendal, B. (2007), "Stochastic Differential Equations. An Introduction with Applications", Springer Verlag
Shreve, S. (2004), "Stochastic Calculus for Finance I. The Binomial Asset Pricing Model", Springer Verlag
Shreve, S. (2004), "Stochastic Calculus for Finance II. Continuous-Time Models", Springer Verlag
Ressources en bibliothèque
- Introduction to Stochastic Calculus Applied to Finance / Lamberton
- Stochastic Calculus for Finance II / Shreve
- Stochastic Differential Equations / Oksendal
- Monte Carlo Methods in Financial Engineering / Glasserman
- Stochastic Calculus for Finance I / Shreve
- Arbitrage Theory in Continuous Time / Björk
Moodle Link
Prerequisite for
- Derivatives
- Advanced derivatives
- Interest rate and credit risk models
- Real options and financial structuring
Dans les plans d'études
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: obligatoire
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: obligatoire
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Probability and stochastic calculus
- Cours: 3 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel