Cox-Ingersoll-Ross Process

Model

The Cox-Ingersoll-Ross process functions as a foundational mathematical framework used to model the stochastic evolution of interest rates and volatility. It addresses the inherent limitation of simpler models by incorporating mean reversion, which ensures that rates gravitate toward a long-term average over time. Within quantitative finance, this structure prevents the unrealistic phenomenon of negative interest rates by forcing the process to remain positive when it approaches zero. Analysts rely on this mechanism to capture the nuanced dynamics of financial markets where deviations from equilibrium are naturally corrected.