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At-the-money call when prices follow Bachelier dynamics

Question

Suppose a non-dividend stock follows arithmetic Brownian motion, dSt=σ dWtdS_t = \sigma\, dW_t with σ\sigma measured in dollars, and interest rates are zero. Derive the value of a call struck at the current price S0S_0 with maturity TT.

Short answer

C=σT/(2π)≈0.4 σTC = \sigma\sqrt{T/(2\pi)} \approx 0.4\,\sigma\sqrt{T}. With zero rates the stock is already a martingale, so ST−S0=σTZS_T - S_0 = \sigma\sqrt{T}Z with ZZ standard normal. Then C=σT E[max⁡(Z,0)]=σT ϕ(0)=σT/(2π)C = \sigma\sqrt{T}\,\mathbb{E}[\max(Z,0)] = \sigma\sqrt{T}\,\phi(0) = \sigma\sqrt{T/(2\pi)}.

Adapted from Crack, Heard on the Street, Q2.19, p.27; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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