Heston Model Extension

Foundation

The Heston model, a seminal stochastic volatility model, posits that the underlying asset’s volatility is not constant but follows its own stochastic process, often a square-root process. This framework allows for a more realistic representation of volatility dynamics compared to constant volatility models, providing a better fit for observed option prices, particularly the volatility smile. It provides a semi-analytical solution for European options. This model is a cornerstone of quantitative finance.