How Integrated Are Credit and Equity Markets? Evidence From Index Options

Pierre Collin-Dufresne, Benjamin Junge, Anders Bjerre Trolle*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

We study the extent to which credit index (CDX) options are priced consistent with S&P 500 (SPX) equity index options. We derive analytical expressions for CDX and SPX options within a structural credit-risk model with stochastic volatility and jumps using new results for pricing compound options via multivariate affine transform analysis. The model captures many aspects of the joint dynamics of CDX and SPX options. However, it cannot reconcile the relative levels of option prices, suggesting that credit and equity markets are not fully integrated. A strategy of selling CDX volatility yields significantly higher excess returns than selling SPX volatility.
Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Journal of Finance
Volume79
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)949-992
Number of pages44
ISSN0022-1082
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

Published online: 12 December 2023.

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