Taylor, S J (2001) Consequences for option pricing of a long memory in volatility. Working Paper. The Department of Accounting and Finance, Lancaster University.
Abstract
The economic consequences of a long memory assumption about volatility are documented, by comparing implied volatilities for option prices obtained from short and long memory volatility processes. Numerical results are given for options on the S&P 100 index from 1984 to 1998, with lives up to two years. The long memory assumption is found to have a significant impact upon the term structure of implied volatilities and a relatively minor impact upon smile effects. These conclusions are important because evidence for long memory in volatility has been found in the prices of many assets.