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TL;DR

Delta Hedging: One-Step Replication: A canonical quantitative trading interview question at intermediate difficulty. Commonly asked at Optiver, SIG, IMC, Citadel Securities, Akuna Capital.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-01
intermediateGame Theory & Strategy

Delta Hedging: One-Step Replication

Asked at: Optiver, SIG, IMC, Citadel Securities, Akuna Capital

Problem
A stock is currently at S0=50S_0 = 50. In one period it will go to either Su=60S_u = 60 (up) or Sd=40S_d = 40 (down). A European call with strike K=48K = 48 expires at the end of this period. The risk-free rate is r=2%r = 2\% per period. (a) Find the replicating portfolio: how many shares Δ\Delta and how much bond BB replicate the call? (b) What is the fair call price? (c) You sold the call for its fair price. The stock jumps to 60. What is your P&L?

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