A note on stochastic integration with respect to optional semimartingales

Abstract

In this note we discuss the extension of the elementary stochastic It�-integral w.r.t. an optional semimartingale. The paths of an optional semimartingale possess limits from the left and from the right, but may have double jumps. This leads to quite interesting phenomena in integration theory. We find a mathematically tractable domain of general integrands. The simple integrands are embedded into this domain. Then, we characterize the integral as the unique continuous and linear extension of the elementary integral and show completeness of the space of integrals. Thus our integral possesses desirable properties to model dynamic trading gains in mathematical finance when security price processes follow optional semimartingales. © 2009 Applied Probability Trust.