Strong approximation of Black-Scholes theory based on simple random walks

Abstract

A basic model in financial mathematics was introduced by Black, Scholes and Merton in 1973. A classical discrete approximation in distribution is the binomial model given by Cox, Ross and Rubinstein in 1979. In this work we give a strong (almost sure, pathwise) discrete approximation of the BSM model using a suitable nested sequence of simple, symmetric random walks. The approximation extends to the stock price process, the value process, the replicating portfolio, and the greeks. An important tool in the approximation is a discrete version of the Feynman-Kac formula as well. Our aim is to show that from an elementary discrete approach, by taking simple limits, one may get the continuous versions. We think that such an approach can be advantageous for both research and applications. Moreover, it is hoped that this approach has pedagogical merits as well: gives insight and seems suitable for teaching students whose mathematical background may not contain e.g. measure theory or stochastic analysis.