Cutting Edge introduction: Accuracy or speed?

Pricing models seek to be both quick and accurate, but often have to strike a balance between the two. Laurie Carver introduces this month’s technical articles, which illustrate both sides of the puzzle

“Do you want it done quickly, or do you want it done right?” is the classic response when craftsmen are urged to hurry their work. To their chagrin, the answer is invariably: “Both.” Even the quest for perfection is subject to deadlines, and this is often the main dilemma quants face – accuracy or speed?

This month’s two technical articles neatly illustrate this conundrum in the context of derivatives pricing models. SABR spreads its wings, by Alexander Antonov, Michael Konikov and Michael