Option Happiness and Liquidity: Is the Dynamics of the Volatility Smirk Affected by Relative Option Liquidity?

摘要

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between option happiness (the steepness of the volatility smirk) and relative index option liquidity. We find that, on a daily basis, option happiness is significantly dependent on the relative liquidity between option series with different moneyness. In particular, deterioration (improvement) in liquidity of an out-of-the-money put option relative to a concurrent at-the-money call option would lead to higher (lower) option happiness. This relationship is robust to relative option liquidity measures based on bid-ask spreads, option price impacts, and option order book imbalances. The results also show a significant maturity effect in option happiness, consistent with the notion that options are "dying smiling."