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Testing your knowledge in stochastic calculus!

Does the derivative dWt/dt exist, where Wt is a Brownian Motion?

1. Yes, it exists, and it's a fundamental concept in stochastic calculus.
2.  No, it doesn't exist, and I'm curious to know why!
3. I really don't know – let's explore this together!
Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's unravel the mysteries of stochastic calculus together.

Answer 2.  No, it doesn't exist, and I'm curious to know why!

The derivative dWt/dt does not exist for Brownian motion Wt. This is because Brownian motion has very erratic and irregular paths, making them nowhere differentiable. The paths are so rough that the usual derivative does not exist at any point. Instead, in stochastic calculus, we use the concept of stochastic integrals (like the Ito integral) to handle such processes. 

Brownian motion serves as the basic building block for more complex models in finance, like the Geometric Brownian Motion, used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The non-differentiability of Wt is a fundamental concept in understanding why standard calculus doesn't work in the stochastic world and why we need a new set of tools.

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About the Author

 

 Florian Campuzan is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris (Economic and Financial section) with a degree in Economics (Money and Finance). A CFA charterholder, he began his career in private equity and venture capital as an investment manager at Natixis before transitioning to market finance as a proprietary trader.

 

In the early 2010s, Florian founded Finance Tutoring, a specialized firm offering training and consulting in market and corporate finance. With over 12 years of experience, he has led finance training programs, advised financial institutions and industrial groups on risk management, and prepared candidates for the CFA exams.

 

Passionate about quantitative finance and the application of mathematics, Florian is dedicated to making complex concepts intuitive and accessible. He believes that mastering any topic begins with understanding its core intuition, enabling professionals and students alike to build a strong foundation for success.