A pathwise approach to continuous-time trading

Abstract: This paper develops a mathematical framework for the analysis of continuous-time trading strategies which, in contrast to the classical setting of continuous-time mathematical finance, does not rely on stochastic integrals or other probabilistic notions. Our purely analytic framework allows for the derivation of a pathwise self-financial condition for continuous-time trading strategies, which is consistent with the classical definition in case a probability model is introduced. Our first proposition provides us with a pathwise definition of the gain process for a large class of continuous-time, path-dependent, self-finacing trading strategies, including the important class of 'delta-hedging' strategies, and is based on the recently developed 'non-anticipative functional calculus'. Two versions of the statement involve respectively continuous and c`adl`ag price paths. The second proposition is a pathwise replication result that generalizes the ones obtained in the classical framework of diffusion models. Moreover, it gives an explicit and purely pathwise formula for the hedging error of delta-hedging strategies for path-dependent derivatives across a given set of scenarios. We also provide an economic justification of our main assumption on price paths.