Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Models

Definition

Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models function as stochastic processes characterized by mean reversion, representing a continuous-time framework where a variable drifts toward a long-term average over time. Within quantitative finance, these structures model interest rates, electricity prices, and specific crypto asset spreads that exhibit stationary behavior rather than pure random walks. Traders utilize this framework to identify deviations from historical norms, facilitating strategic entries when price action becomes statistically stretched.