Market Finance · 19. January 2025
Volatility smirk is a key concept in equity options trading, reflecting higher implied volatility for out-of-the-money (OTM) puts compared to calls. Unlike the balanced "volatility smile" seen in currency markets, the smirk highlights the asymmetric risks in equities, driven by market fear, demand for downside protection, and sharp price drops during downturns. Understanding volatility smirk helps traders accurately price options, manage risks, and exploit arbitrage opportunities.