A Simple and Precise Method for Pricing Convertible Bond with Credit Risk

Xiao, Tim (2014): A Simple and Precise Method for Pricing Convertible Bond with Credit Risk. Forthcoming in: Journal of Derivatives and Hedge Funds , Vol. 19, No. 4 (8 February 2014): pp. 244-258.

Abstract

This paper presents a new model for valuing hybrid defaultable financial instruments, such as, convertible bonds. In contrast to previous studies, the model relies on the probability distribution of a default jump rather than the default jump itself, as the default jump is usually inaccessible. As such, the model can back out the market prices of convertible bonds. A prevailing belief in the market is that convertible arbitrage is mainly due to convertible underpricing. Empirically, however, we do not find evidence supporting the underpricing hypothesis. Instead, we find that convertibles have relatively large positive gammas. As a typical convertible arbitrage strategy employs delta-neutral hedging, a large positive gamma can make the portfolio highly profitable, especially for a large movement in the underlying stock price.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: hybrid financial instrument, convertible bond, convertible underpricing, convertible arbitrage, default time approach (DTA), default probability approach (DPA), jump diffusion.
• Subjects: G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G12 - Asset Pricing ; Trading Volume ; Bond Interest Rates; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G13 - Contingent Pricing ; Futures Pricing; G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G17 - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

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