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A Theory of Volatility Spreads

Author

Listed:
  • Gurdip Bakshi

    (Department of Finance, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742)

  • Dilip Madan

    (Department of Finance, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742)

Abstract

This study formalizes the departure between risk-neutral and physical index return volatilities, termed volatility spreads. Theoretically, the departure between risk-neutral and physical index volatility is connected to the higher-order physical return moments and the parameters of the pricing kernel process. This theory predicts positive volatility spreads when investors are risk averse, and when the physical index distribution is negatively skewed and leptokurtic. Our empirical evidence is supportive of the theoretical implications of risk aversion, exposure to tail events, and fatter left-tails of the physical index distribution in markets where volatility is traded.

Suggested Citation

  • Gurdip Bakshi & Dilip Madan, 2006. "A Theory of Volatility Spreads," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 52(12), pages 1945-1956, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:52:y:2006:i:12:p:1945-1956
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.1060.0579
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    References listed on IDEAS

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