We study the general model of self-financing trading strategies inilliquid markets introduced by Schoenbucher and Wilmott, 2000.A hedging strategy in the framework of this model satisfies anonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) which contains somefunction g(alpha). This function is deep connected to anutility function.

We describe the Lie symmetry algebra of this PDE and provide acomplete set of reductions of the PDE to ordinary differentialequations (ODEs). In addition we are able to describe all types offunctions g(alpha) for which the PDE admits an extended Liegroup. Two of three special type functions lead to modelsintroduced before by different authors, one is new. We clarify theconnection between these three special models and the generalmodel for trading strategies in illiquid markets. We study withthe Lie group analysis the new special case of the PDE describingthe self-financing strategies. In both, the general model and thenew special model, we provide the optimal systems of subalgebrasand study the complete set of reductions of the PDEs to differentODEs. In all cases we are able to provide explicit solutions tothe new special model. In one of the cases the solutions describepower derivative products.

Families of exact solutions are found to a nonlinear modification of the Black-Scholes equation. This risk-adjusted pricing methodology model (RAPM) incorporates both transaction costs and the risk from a volatile portfolio. Using the Lie group analysis we obtain the Lie algebra admitted by the RAPM equation. It gives us the possibility to describe an optimal system of subalgebras and the corresponding set of invariant solutions to the model. In this way we can describe the complete set of possible reductions of the nonlinear RAPM model. Reductions are given in the form of different second order ordinary differential equations. In all cases we provide exact solutions to these equations in an explicit or parametric form. Each of these solutions contains a reasonable set of parameters which allows one to approximate a wide class of boundary conditions. We discuss the properties of these reductions and the corresponding invariant solutions.

We study a class of nonlinear pricing models which involves the feedback effect from the dynamic hedging strategies on the price of asset introduced by  Sircar and Papanicolaou. We are first to study the case of a nonlinear demand function involved in the model. Using a Lie group analysis we investigate the symmetry properties of these nonlinear diffusion equations. We provide the optimal systems of subalgebras and the complete set of non-equivalent reductions of studied PDEs to ODEs. In most cases we obtain families of exact solutions or derive particular solutions to the equations.

The symmetry properties of nonlinear diffusion equations are studied using a Lie group analysis. Reductions and families of exact solutions are found for some of these equations.

© 2009 World Scientific Publishing Company.

The present model describes a perfect hedging strategy for a large trader. In this case the hedging strategy affects the price of the underlying security. The feedback-effect leads to a nonlinear version of the Black-Scholes partial differential equation. Using Lie group theory we reduce in special cases the partial differential equation to some ordinary differential equations. The Lie group found for the model equation gives rise to invariant solutions. Families of exact invariant solutions for special values of parameters are described. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

The present paper is concerned with nonlinear Black Scholes equations arising in certain option pricing models with a large trader and/or transaction costs. In the first part we give an overview of existing option pricing models with frictions. While the financial setup differs between models, it turns out that in many of these models derivative prices can be characterized by fully nonlinear versions of the standard parabolic Black-ScholesPDE. In the second part of the paper we study a typical nonlinear Black-Scholes equation using methods from Lie group analysis. The equation possesses a rich symmetry group. By introducing invariant variables,  invariant solutions can therefore be characterized in terms of solutions to ordinary differential equations. Finally we discuss properties and applications of these solutions.

Families of explicit solutions are found to a nonlinear Black-Scholes equation which incorporates the feedback-effect of a large trader in case of market illiquidity. The typical solution of these families will have a payoff which approximates a strangle. These solutions were used to test numerical schemes for solving a nonlinear Black-Scholes equation. © World Scientific Publishing Company.