Introduction to Fast Fourier Transform in Finance

Research paper

21 Pages Posted: 29 Jun 2004 Last revised: 28 Oct 2021

See all articles by Aleš Černý

Aleš Černý

Bayes Business School, City, University of London

Date Written: February 20, 2006

Abstract

The Fourier transform is an important tool in Financial Economics. It delivers real time pricing while allowing for a realistic structure of asset returns, taking into account excess kurtosis and stochastic volatility. Fourier transform is also rather abstract and therefore off-putting to many practitioners.

The purpose of this paper is to explain the working of the fast Fourier transform in the familiar binomial option pricing model. We argue that a good understanding of FFT requires no more than some high school mathematics and familiarity with roulette, bicycle wheel, or a similar circular object divided into equally sized segments. The returns to such a small intellectual investment are overwhelming.

Keywords: Fast Fourier transform, option pricing, binomial lattice, chirp-z transform

JEL Classification: C63, G12

Suggested Citation

Černý, Aleš, Introduction to Fast Fourier Transform in Finance (February 20, 2006). Research paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=559416 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.559416

Aleš Černý (Contact Author)

Bayes Business School, City, University of London ( email )

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