English

Game theoretic derivation of discrete distributions and discrete pricing formulas

Probability 2008-12-02 v1 Statistics Theory Trading and Market Microstructure Statistics Theory

Abstract

In this expository paper we illustrate the generality of game theoretic probability protocols of Shafer and Vovk (2001) in finite-horizon discrete games. By restricting ourselves to finite-horizon discrete games, we can explicitly describe how discrete distributions with finite support and the discrete pricing formulas, such as the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein formula, are naturally derived from game-theoretic probability protocols. Corresponding to any discrete distribution with finite support, we construct a finite-horizon discrete game, a replicating strategy of Skeptic, and a neutral forecasting strategy of Forecaster, such that the discrete distribution is derived from the game. Construction of a replicating strategy is the same as in the standard arbitrage arguments of pricing European options in the binomial tree models. However the game theoretic framework is advantageous because no a priori probabilistic assumption is needed.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.math/0509367,
  title  = {Game theoretic derivation of discrete distributions and discrete pricing formulas},
  author = {Akimichi Takemura and Taiji Suzuki},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0509367},
  year   = {2008}
}