Suppose the current value of a popular stock index is 653.50, and the dividend yield on the index is 2.8 percent. Also, the yield curve is flat at a continuously compounded rate of 5.5 percent.

a. If you estimate the volatility factor for the index to be 16 percent, use the BlackScholes model to calculate the value of an index call option with an exercise price of 670 and an expiration date in exactly three months. b. If the actual market price of this option is $17.40, explain why the implied volatility coefficient might differ from the historical volatility level. c. Besides volatility estimation error, explain why your valuation and the options traded price might differ from one another.