Optimal interest rate derivatives portfolio with controlled sensitivities

Abstract

In the interest rate market, the use of derivatives is necessary and can significantly influence the balance sheet of a bank. Moreover, in the light of the recent crisis, it became obvious the need for portfolios with specific and known risk characteristics. This paper proposes a method for constructing optimal portfolios of derivatives with specific risk/return characteristics in the interest rate market. The portfolios can include any interest rate derivative security such as bonds, swaps, caps, floors, swaoptions, CMS, etc. The optimal portfolios will have their risk sensitivities (delta, gamma, theta, etc.) within prespecified bands. In this way, the trade-off between risk and return will be controlled through the life of the portfolio avoiding unwanted risks. The method proposed is structural and dynamic so that it can fit to trading level, risk management level and senior management level. Moreover, the method can include VAR and CVAR techniques which are currently used in risk management.