1.Discount Models

Authors:Damir Filipovic

Abstract: Discount is the difference between the face value of a bond and its present value. I propose an arbitrage-free dynamic framework for discount models, which provides an alternative to the Heath--Jarrow--Morton framework for forward rates. I derive general consistency conditions for factor models, and discuss affine term structure models in particular. There are several open problems, and I outline possible directions for further research.