FIN-00-023


Forward Rate Volatilities, Swap Rate Volatilities, and the Implementation of the LIBOR Market Model

August 2000

John Hull, and Alan White

ABSTRACT

This paper is concerned with the implementation of the LIBOR market model and its extensions. It develops and tests an analytic approximation for calculating the volatilities used by the market to price European swap options from the volatilities used to price interest rate caps. The approximation is very accurate for the range of market parameters normally encountered and enables swap option volatility skews to be implied from cap volatility skews. It also allows the LIBOR market model to be calibrated to broker quotes on caps and European swap options so that other interest rate derivatives can be valued.

Subject: Investment/Derivatives, Investment/Fixed Income,Valuation
Classification: Theoretical, Empirical

John Hull
Institution: Stern School of Business, New York University
Email: jhull@stern.nyu.edu
Telephone: (212) 998-0758
Home Page: http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~hull

Alan White
Institution: Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Email: awhite@rotman.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978 3689

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