Contents

Ho–Lee model

Under this model, the short rate follows a normal process:

${\displaystyle dr_{t}=\theta _{t}\,dt+\sigma \,dW_{t}}$

The model can be calibrated to market data by implying the form of ${\displaystyle \theta _{t}}$ from market prices, meaning that it can exactly return the price of bonds comprising the yield curve. This calibration, and subsequent valuation of bond options, swaptions and other interest rate derivatives, is typically performed via a binomial lattice based model. Closed form valuations of bonds, and "Black-like" bond option formulae are also available.^[4]

As the model generates a symmetric ("bell shaped") distribution of rates in the future, negative rates are possible. Further, it does not incorporate mean reversion. For both of these reasons, models such as Black–Derman–Toy (lognormal and mean reverting) and Hull–White (mean reverting with lognormal variant available) are often preferred.^[1]: 385 The Kalotay–Williams–Fabozzi model is a lognormal analogue to the Ho–Lee model, although is less widely used than the latter two.

References[edit]

Notes

Primary references

• T.S.Y. Ho, S.B. Lee, Term structure movements and pricing interest rate contingent claims, Journal of Finance 41, 1986. doi:10.2307/2328161
• John C. Hull, Options, futures, and other derivatives, 5th edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-009056-5

External links[edit]

• Valuation and Hedging of Interest Rates Derivatives with the Ho-Lee Model, Markus Leippold and Zvi Wiener, Wharton School
• Term Structure Lattice Models, Martin Haugh, Columbia University

Online tools

• Binomial Tree – Excel implementation, thomasho.com

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