Categories

• All categories (10)
• Blog (2)
• Derivatives (2)
• Markets (3)
• Structured Products (3)

In the big scheme of things...

So, the "new normal" is impacting volatility trading, mainly via three effects:

• lower volumes and scarcity of prop traders
• the "Bernanke put" is free, so the put-buying flows from portfolio hedgers have dried out
• structured product demand is not going away 

We discussed previously the effect of this on dynamics and skews: all confirmed, and more: it is now common to see the breakdown of "square root of T" termstructure of skew.

In simpler words: in the past you could bet that the slope of the vol-surface at 4 year expiry would be roughly half as steep as the 1 year. Nowadays, on the eurostoxx it can be ~ 1/4.

Yes it sounds nerdish and irrelevant: and it certainly is, when compared to the big macro-themes playing out in this end of year.

But if you are looking at long term strategy on structured products, then it matters - and structured products are now, IMHO, an important long term macro issue, in this deflationary ZIRP world of low demographics.  

The details would then make for a long chat - better offline and over coffee. Have a merry XMas, etc etc...

Leave a comment

Boxes with an asterisk * next to them are required items

Name *
Email *	(Your email will not be published)
Website
Comment *
Enter the security code into the box below *