0
$\begingroup$

This is not a homework question so please be kind not to remove it right away. I am working on some research but have to justify the following argument: Assume $S_t$ is a continuous stochastic process, don't want to make an assumption about distribution, think about something like a smooth function of Brownian motion. I define another process $$Y_t=\frac{1}{t} \int_0^t S_u du$$ Now I am interested in the limit of $Y_t$ as $t$ approaches zero. I would like to know in what sense the argument would hold, the guess is that the limit is $S(0)$. Please suggest a solution or the way to approach this problem.

$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ How is S defined? That is if really is a continuous function of BM then there is a lot you can say. So, more detail please. $\endgroup$ Nov 20, 2012 at 3:21
  • $\begingroup$ ok, let's take a particular case, where $S_t$ is according to the following dynamics $dS_t=adt+bdB_t$ where $B_t$ is a Brownian motion, so that $S_t$ has a lognormal distribution. $\endgroup$
    – Kamil
    Nov 20, 2012 at 3:59
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @ Kamil : Unless mistaken you can think on a path by path basis as long as your process is continuous for every path it is integrable on a fixed time interval with respect to Lebesgue measure "ds", then applying Lebesgue differentiation theorem (wiki) you have that the limit is $S_0$ (it is not a research level question but a good question for math exchange this is why I answer it in comment). Regards. $\endgroup$
    – The Bridge
    Nov 20, 2012 at 9:51
  • $\begingroup$ @The Bridge: what if $S_u=u^{1/2}$, don't I have a problem then? Is the statement holds for "any" continuous process $S_u$ regardless how wild it is? $\endgroup$
    – Kamil
    Feb 6, 2013 at 3:44

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

You can prove it reasoning $\omega$ by $\omega$. I mean, if you are working in a probability space $\Omega$, the continuous path $(S_t)_{t\geqslant 0}$ depends on $\omega\in \Omega$. But for all $\omega$, $t\mapsto S_t(\omega)$ is continuous, so the following convergence holds : $$ Y_t(\omega) \rightarrow S_0(\omega) $$

It is enough to conclude that $Y_t$ converges almost surely to $S_0$ as $t$ goes to zero.

$\endgroup$
6
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ actually The Bridge had already answered in the same way in the comments. $\endgroup$
    – Guillaume
    Nov 20, 2012 at 18:36
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @ Guillaume : 1up for honesty ;-) $\endgroup$
    – The Bridge
    Nov 20, 2012 at 19:24
  • $\begingroup$ yes, thanks the Bridge and Guillaume, I think the answer now is complete as I was looking for some omega mentioning. Thus, I have the convergence for every single omega and therefore convergence in a.s. sense. $\endgroup$
    – Kamil
    Nov 21, 2012 at 13:30
  • $\begingroup$ related to time $0$ question: If I assume $dS_t = adt+bdB_t$ and from above $dY_t = \frac{1}{t}(S_t-Y_t)$ then I can use Ito formula for $u(t,S_t,Y_t)$. I would like that to be a martingale and thus require $u_t+0.5b^2u_{ss}+au_s+\frac{1}{t}(s-y)u_y=0$. The last term is not defined at $t=0$ but from above answer as $t$ approaches $0$ I have $\frac{1}{t}(s-y)=\frac{0}{0}$. Is there anything can be said about the last term in the pde? $\endgroup$
    – Kamil
    Nov 22, 2012 at 16:14
  • $\begingroup$ @kamil : something is missing in your sde for $Y$, moreover once modification done can you show that the sde has a solution ? Best regards $\endgroup$
    – The Bridge
    Nov 22, 2012 at 20:46

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.