Consistent Modeling of VIX and Equity Derivatives Using a 3/2 plus Jumps Model

The paper demonstrates that a pure-diffusion 3/2 model is able to capture the observed upward-sloping implied volatility skew in VIX options. This observation contradicts a common perception in the literature that jumps are required for the consistent modelling of equity and VIX derivatives. The pure-diffusion model, however, struggles to reproduce the smile in the implied volatilities of short-term index options. One remedy to this problem is to augment the model by introducing jumps in the index. The resulting 3/2 plus jumps model turns out to be as tractable as its pure-diffusion counterpart when it comes to pricing equity, realized variance and VIX derivatives, but accurately captures the smile in implied volatilities of short-term index options.