To prove the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) formula, we start by setting up the Black-Scholes partial differential equation (PDE) which is derived from the concept of a "risk-neutral" portfolio that includes the stock and the option
step 2
The Black-Scholes PDE is given by: ∂t∂V+21σ2S2∂S2∂2V+rS∂S∂V−rV=0 where V is the option price, S is the stock price, t is time, σ is the volatility of the stock price, and r is the risk-free interest rate
step 3
Solve the Black-Scholes PDE using the boundary conditions for a European call or put option. For a call option, the boundary condition at expiration is V(S,T)=max(S−K,0), where K is the strike price and T is the expiration time
step 4
Applying the boundary condition and solving the PDE, we obtain the Black-Scholes formula for a European call option: C(S,t)=SN(d1)−Ke−r(T−t)N(d2) where N is the cumulative distribution function of the standard normal distribution, and d1 and d2 are given by: d1=σT−tln(KS)+(r+2σ2)(T−t)d2=d1−σT−t
Answer
The Black-Scholes-Merton formula for a European call option is C(S,t)=SN(d1)−Ke−r(T−t)N(d2) with d1 and d2 as defined above.
Key Concept
Black-Scholes-Merton Formula
Explanation
The BSM formula provides a theoretical estimate for the price of European call and put options based on the Black-Scholes PDE, which assumes a lognormal distribution for stock prices and no-arbitrage conditions in the market.