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Answer: Bank A.
## Explanation Bank A will estimate a higher VaR value because: - **Bank A uses linear approximation (delta-normal method)**: This method approximates the option's price change using only the delta (0.6). It assumes a linear relationship between the option price and the underlying stock price, ignoring gamma effects. - **Bank B uses Monte Carlo simulation with full revaluation**: This method captures the non-linear nature of options pricing, including gamma effects. For an at-the-money call option, gamma is positive, meaning the option's delta increases as the stock price rises and decreases as the stock price falls. - **Key insight**: For a long call option position, the linear approximation (delta-normal) method overestimates losses when the stock price decreases because: - When stock price falls, the option's delta decreases (due to positive gamma) - The actual loss is less than what the linear approximation predicts - Therefore, the linear method produces a higher VaR estimate - **Mathematical reasoning**: - Linear VaR = |delta| × Stock Price × Volatility × Z-score - Full revaluation accounts for the convexity (gamma) which reduces the actual price decline when stock prices fall Since Bank A's linear method ignores this convexity benefit, it will compute a higher VaR estimate than Bank B's more accurate full revaluation approach.
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Bank A and Bank B are two competing investment banks that are calculating the 1-day 99% VaR for an at-the-money call on a non-dividend-paying stock with the following information:
To compute VaR, Bank A uses the linear approximation method, while Bank B uses a Monte Carlo simulation method for full revaluation. Which bank will estimate a higher value for the 1-day 99% VaR?
A
Bank A.
B
Bank B.
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