Saddlepoint Approximations to Tail Expectations Under Non-Gaussian Base Distributions

Abstract

The saddlepoint approximation formulas provide versatile tools for analytic approximation of the tail expectation of a random variable by approximating the complex Laplace integral of the tail expectation expressed in terms of the cumulant generating function of the random variable. We generalize the saddlepoint approximation formulas for calculating tail expectations from the usual Gaussian base distribution to an arbitrary base distribution. Specific discussion is presented on the criteria of choosing the base distribution that fits better the underlying distribution. Numerical performance and comparison of accuracy are made among different saddlepoint approximation formulas. Improved accuracy of saddlepoint approximations to tail expectations is revealed when proper base distributions are chosen. We demonstrate enhanced accuracy of the generalized saddlepoint approximation formulas under non-Gaussian base distributions in pricing European options on continuous integrated variance under the Heston stochastic volatility
model.

Keywords: saddlepoint approximation, tail expectation, non-Gaussian base distribution

JEL Classification: C02