Skip to content

Mean times variance of an arithmetic diffusion

Question

An asset value evolves as dXt=5 dt+2 dWtdX_t=5\,dt+2\,dW_t with X0=2X_0=2, where WW is standard Brownian motion. At horizon T=0.2T=0.2, let μT\mu_T and σT2\sigma_T^2 be the mean and variance of XTX_T. Report the product μT σT2\mu_T\,\sigma_T^2.

Short answer

2.42.4. Integrating gives XT=2+5T+2WTX_T=2+5T+2W_T, which is normal with mean 2+5(0.2)=32+5(0.2)=3 and variance 4(0.2)=0.84(0.2)=0.8. The product is 3×0.8=2.43\times0.8=2.4.

Adapted from QuantQuestions.io; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

See the hint and the full worked solution in the question bank (free account).

Open the worked solution

Lessons behind this question

Start with a free lesson: Expectation, Variance and Covariance is part of a free topic. Create a free account, no card needed, to read it in full with worked solutions.

Read it free