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What do the terms ½W(T)W(T)² and -½T represent in the final Itô-integral formula?

In the formula 12W(T)2−12T\frac{1}{2}W(T)^2 - \frac{1}{2}T, the term 12W(T)2\frac{1}{2}W(T)^2 depends on the terminal position of the path, while the term −12T-\frac{1}{2}T is a correction that comes from accumulated randomness over time.

Conditions

  • The formula is the result of evaluating the Itô integral ∫0TW dW\int_0^T W\,dW.
  • W(T)W(T) is the value of the Brownian motion at time TT.
  • TT is the elapsed time.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the two terms in the final closed-form result.
  2. Interpret the first term, 12W(T)2\frac{1}{2}W(T)^2, as being tied to where the path ends up (the endpoint).
  3. Interpret the second term, −12T-\frac{1}{2}T, as a subtraction representing a volatility adjustment due to accumulated randomness.

Example

The video color-codes the terms, marking the endpoint of the path with a yellow dot for 12W(T)2\frac{1}{2}W(T)^2 (labeled 'End position squared') and highlighting −12T-\frac{1}{2}T in red (labeled 'Volatility adjustment').

Common misconceptions

  • Viewing −12T-\frac{1}{2}T as an arbitrary constant rather than a systematic correction arising from the stochastic nature of the integral.
  • Assuming 12W(T)2\frac{1}{2}W(T)^2 represents the total accumulated value of the integral without any adjustments.

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