B1002
Title: Modeling conditional factor risk premia implied by index option returns
Authors: Piotr Orlowski - HEC Montreal (Canada) [presenting]
Mathieu Fournier - UNSW (Australia)
Kris Jacobs - University of Houston (United States)
Abstract: A novel factor model is proposed for option returns. Option exposures are estimated nonparametrically and factor risk premia can vary nonlinearly with states. The model is estimated using regressions, with minimal assumptions on factor and option return dynamics. The model is estimated using index options to characterize the conditional risk premia for factors of interest such as the market return, market variance, tail and intermediary risk factors, higher moments, and the VIX term structure slope. Combined, market return and variance explain more than 90\% of option return variation. Unconditionally, the magnitude of the variance risk premium is plausible. It displays pronounced time-variation, spikes during crises and always has the expected sign.
