Internationally recognised researchers explore and review latest advancements in Option Markets

Published on

Delivered by the University of Liverpool Management School’s (ULMS) Accounting and Finance Group, the “Liverpool Workshop in Option Markets” gathered world-leading experts from various institutions in the UK and abroad to share and examine the latest research developments in option contracts and trading on Thursday 4 July 2024.

Led by Professor Alex Kostakis, the workshop brought together a number of academics in the field who presented their original papers, including Norman Seager (VU Amsterdam), Gustavo Freire (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Grigory Vilkov (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management), Amit Goyal (University of Lausanne & Swiss Finance Institute), Tobias Sichert (Stockholm School of Economics & Swedish House of Finance) and Xiao Xiao (Bayes Business School).

The presenters were joined by Ingmar Nolte (Lancaster University), Stefanos Delikouras (University of Miami), Christian Wagner (WU Vienna University of Economics & Business), Kevin Aretz (Alliance Manchester Business School), Anastasios Kagkadis (University of Liverpool) and Chardin Simen (University of Liverpool), who each provided critical analysis and constructive feedback on the research discussed.

The one-day workshop provided an excellent platform for scholars to share their latest papers and most recent discoveries in option markets, tackling a range of topics such as option returns, asset pricing, option traders, short-term reversal and stock returns.

It also facilitated evidence-based discourse about trading, gamma risk and volatility propagation, systematic risk, idiosyncratic risk, and the cross-section of expected option returns.

Option markets have attracted the attention of investors in recent years due to low-cost electronic trading, improved pricing models and online analysis tools, as well as for offering unique advantages, including portfolio protection and additional income when used prudently. 

 Reflecting on the workshop, Alex said:

“It has been a great opportunity to discuss the recent developments in option markets and to actively network in a collegial environment.”

“Our guests were impressed by the quality of the workshop and the expertise of our School in this research area as well as the city of Liverpool.”

“We hope we will be able to organise this workshop on a regular basis, establishing ULMS as a leading centre for research in option markets.”

As well as advancing discussions around the field, the workshop which drew delegates from across the North West, served as a fantastic opportunity to expand the participants’ professional network and cultivate scholarly collaborations with experts and their peers.