Common Factors in Equity Option Returns
50 Pages Posted: 7 Dec 2018 Last revised: 25 Sep 2020
Date Written: September 23, 2020
Abstract
This paper studies the factor structure of the cross-section of delta-hedged equity option returns. We find that a four-factor model explains the cross-section and time-series of equity option returns. Out of the four factors, three are characteristic based factors from the long-short option portfolios based on firm size, idiosyncratic volatility, and the difference between implied and historical volatilities. The fourth factor is the market volatility risk factor proxied by the delta-hedged option return of the the S&P 500 index.
Keywords: Cross Section of Option Returns, Latent Factors, Rank Estimation
JEL Classification: C14, G13, G17
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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