First-Order Asymptotics of Path-Dependent Derivatives in Multiscale Stochastic Volatility Environment

Abstract: In this paper, we extend the first-order asymptotics analysis of Fouque et al. to general path-dependent financial derivatives using Dupire's functional Ito calculus. The main conclusion is that the market group parameters calibrated to vanilla options can be used to price to the same order exotic, path-dependent derivatives as well. Under general conditions, the first-order condition is represented by a conditional expectation that could be numerically evaluated. Moreover, if the path-dependence is not too severe, we are able to find path-dependent closed-form solutions equivalent to the fist-order approximation of path-independent options derived in Fouque et al. Additionally, we exemplify the results with Asian options and options on quadratic variation.