Combining Time-Varying and Dynamic Multi-Period Optimal Hedging Models

This paper presents an effective way of combining two popular, yet distinct approaches used in the hedging literature – dynamic programming (DP) and time-series (GARCH) econometrics. Theoretically consistent yet realistic and tractable models are developed for traders interested in hedging a portfolio. Results from a bootstrapping experiment used to construct confidence bands around the competing portfolios suggest that while DP-GARCH outperforms the GARCH approach they are statistically equivalent to the OLS approach when the markets are stable. Significant gains may be achieved by a trader, however, by adopting the DP–GARCH model over the OLS approach when markets exhibit excessive volatility.