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arXiv · 1910.14522

Option-based Equity Risk Premiums

Alan L. Lewis
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Abstract

We construct the term structure of the (forward-looking, US market) equity risk premium from SPX option chains. The method is "model-light". Risk-neutral probability densities are estimated by fitting $N$-component Gaussian mixture models to option quotes, where $N$ is a small integer (here 4 or 5). These densities are transformed to their real-world equivalents by exponential tilting with a single parameter: the Coefficient of Relative Risk Aversion $\kappa$. From history, I estimate $\kappa = 3 \pm 0.5$. From the inferred real-world densities, the equity risk premium is readily calculated. Three term structures serve as examples.

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Alan L. Lewis. 2019-10-31. Option-based Equity Risk Premiums. https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.14522

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