Modeling Conditional Factor Risk Premia Implied by Index Option Returns
Published in The Journal of Finance, 2023
To cite: Fournier, Mathieu and Jacobs, Kris and Orłowski, Piotr, Modeling Conditional Factor Risk Premia Implied by Index Option Returns, forthcoming in The Journal of Finance
Abstract
We propose a novel factor model for option returns. Option exposures are estimated nonparametrically and factor risk premia can vary nonlinearly with states. The model is estimated using regressions, with minimal assumptions on factor and option return dynamics. We estimate the model using index options to characterize the conditional risk premia for factors of interest such as the market return, market variance, tail and intermediary risk factors, higher moments, and the VIX term structure slope. Com- bined, market return and variance explain more than 90% of option return variation. Unconditionally, the magnitude of the variance risk premium is plausible. It displays pronounced time-variation, spikes during crises, and always has the expected sign.