A NO-ARBITRAGE MARTINGALE ANALYSIS FOR JUMP-DIFFUSION VALUATION

This study presents a jump-diffusion valuation framework using the no-arbitrage martingale approach. Equilibrium conditions needed to support a jump-diffusion pricing standard process are derived. The results are a generalized jump-diffusion security market line and its corresponding equilibrium valuation relation that prices both jump and diffusion risk. To value options, a fundamental formula is derived that includes existing jump-diffusion option valuation formulas as special cases. 1 find Merton's (1976a) assumption of diversifiable jump risk to be consistent with no-arbitrage only when the aggregate consumption flow does not jump. Simulation shows that Merton's formula undervalues/overvalues options on hedging/cyclical assets. When the jump arrival frequency is larger, the mispricing is larger/smaller for in-the-money/out-of-the-money options.