Arbitrage-Free Valuation Framework

Fixed Income Analytics · 6:42

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
In the world of bonds there's a golden rule
No free money floating in this market pool
When prices don't align across the yield curve line
Someone's making profit that should not be mine

Arbitrage means profits with no risk at all
But efficient markets won't let that ball fall
So we build a framework to keep prices fair
Making sure no free lunch is floating in the air

[Chorus]
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Keep the prices in their cage
Same cash flows, same present value
That's the rule we must pursue
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Turn the pricing theory page
If you find a gap today
Market forces smooth the way

[Verse 2]
Start with government bonds, the risk-free base
Build your yield curve step by step with grace
Each maturity point must fit just right
No gaps or jumps that don't look quite right

Bootstrap method pulls the rates apart
From the curve we see, we build from the start
Short rates first, then longer ones in line
Creating spot rates, pure and so refined

[Chorus]
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Keep the prices in their cage
Same cash flows, same present value
That's the rule we must pursue
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Turn the pricing theory page
If you find a gap today
Market forces smooth the way

[Bridge]
Forward rates are locked in tight
Today's curve shows tomorrow's light
If the future doesn't match
Traders jump to fill that gap

Replication is the key
Build the same cash flows you see
If two bonds pay the same
Then their prices are the same

[Verse 3]
Corporate bonds add credit spread on top
Risk premium makes the yield rate hop
But even then the framework still applies
No free money hiding in disguise

Swap curves, LIBOR, treasury bills
All must follow these pricing rules and skills
The framework works for every bond type
Keep arbitrage completely out of sight

[Chorus]
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Keep the prices in their cage
Same cash flows, same present value
That's the rule we must pursue
No arbitrage, no arbitrage
Turn the pricing theory page
If you find a gap today
Market forces smooth the way

[Outro]
Consistent pricing across every trade
That's how efficient markets are made
No arbitrage framework shows the way
Fair bond prices every single day

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