THE AFFINE RATIONAL POTENTIAL MODEL

Abstract

We develop a class of rational term structure models in the framework of the potential approach based upon a family of positive supermartingales that are driven by an affine Markov process. These models generally feature nonnegative interest rates and analytic pricing formulae for zero bonds, caps, swaptions, and European currency options, even in the presence of multiple factors. Moreover, in a model specification, the short rate stays near the zero lower bound for an extended period.