The world price of jump and volatility risk

We study international integration of markets for jump and volatility risk, using index option data for the main global markets. To explain the cross-section of expected option returns we focus on return-based multi-factor models. For each market separately, we provide evidence that volatility and jump risk are priced risk factors. There is little evidence, however, of global unconditional pricing of these risks. We show that UK and US option markets have become increasingly interrelated, and using conditional pricing models generates some evidence of international pricing. Finally, the benefits of diversifying jump and volatility risk internationally are substantial, but declining.

Highlights
► Explain international equity index option returns with jump and volatility factors. ► We find strong evidence for local pricing of jump and volatility risk. ► We find much less evidence for global pricing of these factors. ► The US and UK option markets have become increasingly interrelated. ► There are substantial benefits to internationally diversifying option investments.