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A Backward Simulation Method for Stochastic Optimal Control Problems

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  • Zhiyi Shen
  • Chengguo Weng
Abstract
A number of optimal decision problems with uncertainty can be formulated into a stochastic optimal control framework. The Least-Squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) algorithm is a popular numerical method to approach solutions of such stochastic control problems as analytical solutions are not tractable in general. This paper generalizes the LSMC algorithm proposed in Shen and Weng (2017) to solve a wide class of stochastic optimal control models. Our algorithm has three pillars: a construction of auxiliary stochastic control model, an artificial simulation of the post-action value of state process, and a shape-preserving sieve estimation method which equip the algorithm with a number of merits including bypassing forward simulation and control randomization, evading extrapolating the value function, and alleviating computational burden of the tuning parameter selection. The efficacy of the algorithm is corroborated by an application to pricing equity-linked insurance products.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiyi Shen & Chengguo Weng, 2019. "A Backward Simulation Method for Stochastic Optimal Control Problems," Papers 1901.06715, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:1901.06715
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Longstaff, Francis A & Schwartz, Eduardo S, 2001. "Valuing American Options by Simulation: A Simple Least-Squares Approach," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 14(1), pages 113-147.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Nicholas Davey & Nicolas Langrené & Wen Chen & Jonathan R. Rhodes & Simon Dunstall & Saman Halgamuge, 2023. "Designing higher value roads to preserve species at risk by optimally controlling traffic flow," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 320(2), pages 663-693, January.
    3. Jiang, Ruihong & Saunders, David & Weng, Chengguo, 2023. "Two-phase selection of representative contracts for valuation of large variable annuity portfolios," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 293-309.
    4. Ivan Guo & Nicolas Langrené & Gregoire Loeper & Wei Ning, 2020. "Robust utility maximization under model uncertainty via a penalization approach," Working Papers hal-02910261, HAL.

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