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How is the risk-neutral probability computed in this binomial example?

The risk-neutral probability pp of the up move is computed using the formula p=(1+r)−du−dp = \frac{(1+r)-d}{u-d}. Given r=0.1r = 0.1, u=1.2u = 1.2, and d=0.9d = 0.9, the calculation is p=1.1−0.91.2−0.9=0.20.3=23p = \frac{1.1 - 0.9}{1.2 - 0.9} = \frac{0.2}{0.3} = \frac{2}{3}.

Conditions

  • One-period binomial model with up factor uu, down factor dd, and interest rate rr.
  • u>1+r>du > 1+r > d to ensure 0<p<10 < p < 1.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the up factor u=1.2u = 1.2 and down factor d=0.9d = 0.9.
  2. Identify the interest rate r=0.1r = 0.1.
  3. Apply the risk-neutral probability formula: p=(1+r)−du−dp = \frac{(1+r)-d}{u-d}.
  4. Substitute the values: p=1.1−0.91.2−0.9p = \frac{1.1 - 0.9}{1.2 - 0.9}.
  5. Simplify to get p=23p = \frac{2}{3}.
  6. The complementary probability for the down move is 1−p=131 - p = \frac{1}{3}.

Example

The slide shows: 'p=(1+r)−du−dp = \frac{(1+r)-d}{u-d}' and then 'p=1.1−0.91.2−0.9=0.20.3=23p = \frac{1.1 - 0.9}{1.2 - 0.9} = \frac{0.2}{0.3} = \frac{2}{3}'.

Common misconceptions

  • Using real-world probabilities instead of the risk-neutral formula.
  • Forgetting to add 1 to the interest rate rr in the numerator, using r−dr-d instead of (1+r)−d(1+r)-d.

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