Why do VIX option prices appear different than other index option prices Im used to seeing?
The price of any index option depends on the forward price of the index and the expected shape of the forward price distribution. In the case of stock indexes like the S&P 500, the theoretical forward price is determined in a fairly straightforward manner that considers the “cost-of-carry” (i.e., interest rates and dividend yields). Forward prices of option volatility exhibit a “term structure”, meaning that the prices of options expiring on different dates may imply different, albeit related, volatility estimates. VIX option prices reflect the market’s expectation of the VIX level at expiration, as measured by the VIX SOQ on that date. For example, prices for VIX options expiring in May 2006 reflect the expected volatility implied in June 2006 SPX options; VIX options expiring in August 2006 reflect the expected volatility implied in September 2006 SPX options, etc. The VIX volatility implied by June SPX options may be significantly greater or lower than VIX volatility implied by Sept
Related Questions
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