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Implying sigma from an at-the-money price in a normal model

Question

In a model where the stock's terminal value is normal, centred on the current spot with standard deviation σ\sigma, you observe the market price CC of an at-the-money call (ignore discounting). How can you estimate σ\sigma quickly?

Short answer

σ≈2π C≈2.5 C\sigma\approx\sqrt{2\pi}\,C\approx2.5\,C. In this model the at-the-money call is worth exactly σ/2π\sigma/\sqrt{2\pi}, so inverting gives σ\sigma directly; with non-zero rates, first undo the discount factor.

Adapted from Joshi, Denson & Downes, Quant Job Interview Questions and Answers, Q2.21, p.18; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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