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M8 Lognormal Models and Life Insurance Applications

Topics in Insurance, Risk, and Finance

Author
Affiliation

Yuyu Chen

Department of Economics, University of Melbourne

Published

2024

Learning outcomes

  • Know and derive the properties of lognormal distributions.
  • Derive explicit formulas for the distributions and related quantities of Sn and Vn in the lognormal model.
  • Define, calculate, and interpret Value-at-Risk.
  • Know basic notation for life insurance analysis.
  • Compute expected present value of benefit for life insurance and annuity in stochastic models for rates of return.
  • Use the equivalence principle to compute premiums of life insurance products.

Review: normal distribution

Lognormal model

  • We have studied the moments of cash series.
  • To have a more detailed analysis of investment activities (e.g., probability of default), we need to derive distribution functions.
  • In particular, distributions can be used to determine the capital requirements for financial institutions (Value-at-Risk for insurance companies and Expected Shortfall for banks).
  • The task of finding distributions is however very challenging.
  • We will study the case when the accumulation factor (1+it) follows a lognormal distribution, in which case we can derive the exact distribution of Sn.

Review: normal distribution I

We say a random variable X follows a normal distribution with parameters μ and σ2, denoted by XN(μ,σ2), if the density function of X can be written as f(x)=12πσexp((xμ)22σ2).

  • μ and σ2 are the mean and variance of X.
  • If μ=0 and σ=1, X is usually denoted by Z and is called a standard normal random variable.
  • The distribution function and the density function of Z are usually denoted by Φ and ϕ.

Review: normal distribution II

  • Symmetry: Φ(x)+Φ(x)=1 for x\R.

  • Standalization: For XN(μ,σ2), we have XμσN(0,1).

  • Moment generating function: Let XN(μ,σ2). For tR, \E[exp(tX)]=exp(μt+t2σ2/2).

  • If X1N(μ1,σ12) and X2N(μ2,σ22) are independent, c1X1+c2X2N(c1μ1+c2μ2,c12σ12+c22σ22).

    Question: If X1N(μ1,σ12) and X2N(μ2,σ22), does X1+X2 follow a normal distribution?

Review: normal distribution III

Review: normal distribution example

For XN(5,52), what is \p(X6)?

We have \p(X6)=\p(X55655)=Φ(0.2)=1Φ(0.2)=0.57926.

Lognormal distribution

Lognormal distribution: definition

Let Z be a standard normal random variable, i.e., ZN(0,1). Let μR and σ>0. A lognormal random variable can be written as X=exp(μ+σZ).

  • We write XLN(μ,σ2).
  • Note that μ and σ2 here are not the mean and variance of X.
  • The logarithm of X is normally distributed (with mean μ and variance σ2), and hence the name.
  • Equivalently, we can write X=exp(Y) where YN(μ,σ2).

Lognormal distribution: density

Proof:

We write X=exp(Y) where YN(μ,σ2). Then for x>0, \p(Xx)=\p(Ylogx)=logx1σ2πexp((yμ)22σ2)dy=0x1uσ2πexp((loguμ)22σ2)du. Take derivative on both sides to finish.

Lognormal distribution: moments

Proof:

Here, we note that logXN(μ,σ2) and the moment generating function of normal distribution gives the desired results.

Lognormal distribution: product

Proof:

For this property, we use the fact that sum of independent normal random variables is still a normal random variable, i.e., we can write X1X2=exp(Y1)exp(Y2)=exp(Y1+Y2), where Y1N(μ1,σ12) and Y2N(μ2,σ22) are independent.

As Y1+Y2N(μ1+μ2,σ12+σ22), we have the desired property.

Lognormal distribution: reciprocal

Proof:

Write X=exp(μ+σZ). We have X1=exp(μσZ).

Since μσZN(μ,σ2), we have the desired result.

Lognormal models: Sn and Vn

Lognormal model

  • Due the properties of lognormal distributions, it is convenient to model the accumulation factors (i.e., 1+it) as lognormal distributions.
  • We can derive distributions of Sn and Vn using lognormal models, which turn out to be lognormal distributions.
  • However, distributions of An and Pn are still not available.
  • Even if the accumulation factor is not lognormally distributed, we can still use lognormal distributions to approximate the distribution of Sn and Vn.

Lognormal model: Sn in a varying rate model

Suppose that 1+itLN(μ,σ2) for t=1,,n. Since Sn=t=1n(1+it), we have logSn=t=1nlog(1+it).

As log(1+it)N(μ,σ2) and i1,,in are independent, t=1nlog(1+it)N(nμ,nσ2). Therefore, \p(Sns)=\p(logSnnμnσlogsnμnσ)=Φ(logsnμnσ).

Question: What if the rates are not identically distributed?

Lognormal model: Vn in a varying rate model

The present value of 1 due at the end of year n, denoted by Vn, is Vn=t=1n(1+it)1.

Suppose that in a varying rate model 1+iLN(μ,σ2) where i is the rate of return for each period of time. Then (1+i)1LN(μ,σ2) VnLN(nμ,nσ2) and \p(Vns)=\p(logVn+nμnσlogs+nμnσ)=Φ(logs+nμnσ).

Lognormal model: Sn example

In a varying rate model, suppose the iid returns, ik, are such that 1+ikLN(0.12,0.042). What is the probability that the accumulated value of 10000 at time 5 is greater than 21000?

We have logS5N(5×0.012,5×0.042)=N(0.6,0.008). Therefore, \p(10000S521000)=\p(S52.1)=\p(logS50.60.0080.5log2.10.60.0080.5)=1Φ(log2.10.60.0080.5)=1Φ(1.5869)=0.056.

Lognormal model: Vn example

In a varying rate model, suppose the iid returns, ik, are such that 1+ikLN(0.08,0.042). What is the probability that the present value of a benefit of 100 at time 10 is less than 40?

We have logV10N(10×0.08,10×0.042)=N(0.8,0.12652). Therefore, \p(100V1040)=\p(V100.4)=\p(logV10(0.8)0.1265log0.4(0.8)0.1265)=Φ(log0.4(0.8)0.1265)=Φ(0.91936)=0.179.

Lognormal model: approximation I

In a varying model, even if accumulation factors do not follow a lognormal distribution, one can still use lognormal distributions to approximate Sn and Vn.

Lognormal model: approximation II

  • Since logSn=t=1nlog(1+it), the summation of iid random variables, by the central limit theorem, logSn has a normal distribution as its limiting distribution, after normalization.
  • Therefore, Sn can be approximated by a lognormal distribution.
  • To apply the central limit theorem, technically, you need to verify the moment constraints/assumptions (though it is not required if not asked in this subject).

Lognormal model: Sn and Vn in a fixed rate model

Suppose that in a fixed rate model 1+iLN(μ,σ2) where i is the rate of return for each period of time. Since Sn=(1+i)n, we have logSn=nlog(1+i).

Then, logSnN(nμ,n2σ2). Therefore, \p(Sns)=Φ(logsnμnσ). Similarly, as logVnN(nμ,n2σ2), \p(Vns)=Φ(logs+nμnσ).

Lognormal model: Fixed rate model Example I

In a fixed rate model, the annual accumulation factor follows a lognormal distribution with mean 1.05 and variance 0.007. The initial investment is 14000. What is the probability that 14000S420000?

Suppose that the lognormal distribution has parameters μ and σ2. Then we have exp(μ+0.5σ2)=1.05, and exp(2μ+σ2)(exp(σ2)1)=0.007, from which we obtain μ=0.04563 and σ2=0.006329.

Lognormal model: Fixed rate model Example II

We have S4LN(40.04563,420.006329)=LN(0.1825,0.1013). Then \p(14000S420000)=\p(S41.429)=\p(logS40.3567)=\p(Z(0.35670.1825)/0.1013)=\p(Z0.574)=1Φ(0.574)=0.2922.

Lognormal model: a comparison

Let the accumulation factor for one period follow LN(μ,σ2). Calculate the coefficient of variation of Sn in a varying rate model and fixed rate model respectively.

We know that SnLN(nμ,nσ2) in the varying rate model and SnLN(nμ,n2σ2) in the fixed rate model. Then, in the varying rate model, cv(Sn)=\var(Sn)\E(Sn)=exp(nσ2)1. In the fixed rate model, cv(Sn)=\var(Sn)\E(Sn)=exp(n2σ2)1. Hence, Sn is more spread-out in the fixed rate model, which is intuitive (why?).

Question: Why not use variance to compare the spreadness?

Value-at-Risk

With the distribution of Sn, more risk metrics of Sn can be calculated. For a random variable X, Value-at-Risk (VaR) at level p(0,1) is defined as \VaRp(X)=F1(p)=inf{x:\p(Xx)p}.

  • Here, X is regarded as losses.
  • In general, p is close to 1 (e.g., p=0.99).
  • VaR is used as a regulatory risk measure in the realm of bank and insurance.
  • VaR: the event that the loss is greater than this level has a probability less than 1p (what is special about VaR?).
  • For a continuous random variable XF, \VaRp(X) is the inverse of F.

Value-at-Risk : example A

Suppose that a loss X has the distribution that P(X=7)=0.04 and P(X=5.5)=0.96. What is \VaR0.95(X)?

Ans: \VaR0.95(X)=5.5.

Value-at-Risk : example B I

In a varying rate model, the annual accumulation factor follows a lognormal distribution with parameters μ=0.075 and σ2=0.0252. Let the initial investment be 1000 and the the accumulated value at the end of 5 years be X. What are \VaR0.25(X) and \VaR0.75(X)?

Since rates are independent and they follow the lognormal distribution, S5LN(5μ,5σ2)=LN(50.075,50.0252). We have \p(S5s/1000)=\p(log(S5)50.07550.025log(s/1000)50.07550.025)=Φ(log(s/1000)50.07550.025).

Value-at-Risk : example B II

By letting the probability function equal to 0.25 and 0.75, we get \VaR0.25(X)=1000exp(50.025Φ1(0.25)+50.075)=1401 and \VaR0.75(X)=1000exp(50.025Φ1(0.75)+50.075)=1511.

Life insurance applications

Life insurance applications

We will apply the stochastic model for rate of returns in pricing life insurance products.

  • Life insurance will be studied in greater details in another subject. We will cover some simple examples in this subject.
  • The pricing of life insurance products usually depends on whether a person survives after or dies before a specified time.

For simplicity, the following assumptions are imposed.

  • The rate of returns are iid (we use i as a generic copy of i1,,in).
  • The event of death/survival is independent of the rates of return.

Traditional life insurance products

  • Term life insurance: a lump sum is paid on the death of the insured if the death occurs before the end of a specified period.
  • Whole life insurance: a lump sum is paid on the death of the insured whenever it occurs.
  • Term life annuity: a series of payments is made to the insured up to a specified period if he/she is alive.
  • Whole life annuity: a series of payments is made to the insured as long as he/she is alive.

Notation: I

  • (x): a life aged x
  • Kx: the remaining integer number of years that (x) lives. So Kx is a discrete random variable taking non-negative integer amounts.
  • qx: the probability that the insured (x) dies within one year (dies in the period (x,x+1), i.e., qx=\p(Kx=0).
  • px: the probability that the insured (x) survives the first year, i.e, px=\p(Kx1).

Notation: II

  • kqx: the probability that the insured (x) dies within k year (dies in the period (x,x+k), i.e., kqx=\p(Kx<k).
  • kpx: the probability that the insured (x) survives the first k year, i.e, kpx=\p(Kxk).
  • k|qx: the probability that the insured (x) dies after k year and before k+1 years (dies in the period [x+k,x+k+1), i.e., k|qx=P(Kx=k)=kpxk+1px.

Notation: III

Some important properties:

  • kpx=t=1kpx+t1. However, kqxt=1kqx+t1.
  • t+upx=tpxupx+t.
  • kpx+kqx=1.
  • k|qx=P(Kx=k)=kpxqx+k=kpxk+1px.

Example A

Suppose that q30=0.001332, q31=0.001409, and q32=0.001508. What is the probability that (30) dies at the age 32?

We have \p(K30=2)=2|q30=2p30q32=p30p31q32=(1q30)(1q31)q32=0.001504.

Example B

Let kq0=1(1k/120)1/6 for k=0,1,,120. Find the probability that

  • (0) survives beyond 30,
  • (30) dies before 50.

We have 30p0=130q0=(130/120)1/6=0.9532, and 20q30=120p30=150p030p0=1(7/9)1/6=0.0410

Life insurance I

  • Consider a whole life insurance which pays 1 at the year end of the death of (x) (if Kx=k, the benefit is paid at k+1). The present value of this benefit is denoted as A~x.
  • Given that Kx=k, by independence, the expectation of A~x is
\E[A~x|Kx=k]=\E[t=1k+1(1+it)1|Kx=k]=\E[t=1k+1(1+it)1]=t=1k+1\E[(1+it)1]=\E[(1+i)1]k+1.

Life insurance II

Then we have \E[A~x]=k=0\E[A~x|Kx=k]\p(Kx=k)=k=0\E[A~x|Kx=k]k|qx=k=0\E[(1+i)1]k+1k|qx.

Life annuity I

  • Consider unit payments at the beginning of every year given that (x) is alive (the benefit will be paid out at k if Kxk). The present value of this benefit is denoted as a~x.
  • Given that Kx=k, by independence, the expectation of a~x is \E[a~x|Kx=k]=\E[1+t=1km=1t(1+im)1|Kx=k]=\E[1+t=1km=1t(1+im)1]=1+t=1km=1t\E[(1+im)1]=t=0k\E[(1+i)1]t=1\E[(1+i)1]k+11\E[(1+i)1].

Life annuity II

Then we have \E[a~x]=k=0\E[a~x|Kx=k]\p(Kx=k)=k=0\E[a~x|Kx=k]k|qx=k=01\E[(1+i)1]k+11\E[(1+i)1]k|qx=1\E[A~x]1\E[(1+i)1].

Life annuity in arrears

  • If we wish to calculate the present value of annuities in arrears (units are paid at the end of each period), we can follow a similar procedure.
  • However, we notice that the only difference between annuity in advance and annuity in arrears is that the former one pays 1 at the inception. The other payments are the same as long as the insured lives.
  • Thus, the difference between the two annuities is simply that the annuity in advance is 1 greater.

Premium

  • Policyholders need to pay premiums in exchange for the benefits provided by the insurance products.
  • Premiums can either by paid in a lump sum or in installments (like annuity).
  • A premium rate, denoted by P, is the a fixed amount paid each time.
  • A fair premium rate is determined by the equivalence principle: EPV of premiums=EPV of benefits.

Here, EPV stands for expected present value.

Premium : life insurance

Suppose (x) needs to buy a life insurance with benefit S.

  • If the premium is paid in a lump sum at the start of the contract, then the fair premium rate is simply P=S\E[A~x].
  • If the premiums are paid at the start of each period given that (x) is alive, then the fair premium rate is determined by P\E[a~x]=S\E[A~x].

Premium : example I

Suppose (40) has the following probabilities: q40=0.7,q41=0.8,q42=1. The person purchases a life insurance with a benefit at the end of the year of death of 200000. Interest rates are iid with ikU(0.05,0.07). What is the fair premium rate paid at the inception of each year?

Premium : example II

We first compute the mean of the discounting factor \E[(1+ik)1]=0.050.07(1+x)110.070.05dx=50(log1.07log1.05)=0.94342. Since the fair premium is determined by P\E[a~40]=200000\E[A~40], We need to find \E[A~40] and \E[a~40].

Premium : example III

We have \E[A~40]=k=0\E[(1+i)1]k+1k|q40=0.94342q40+0.943422p40q41+0.943423p40p41q42=0.66040+0.21361+0.05038=0.92439, and that \E[a~40]=1\E[A~40]1\E[(1+i)1]=1.33643. Therefore, P=138337.

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