C is correct. Variance swaps have a valuable convexity feature—as realized volatility increases (decreases), the positive (negative) swap payoffs increase (decrease)—which makes them particularly attractive for hedging long equity portfolios. Because the volatility curve is in contango—that is, higher volatility is priced into the curve—Trade 1 is likely to experience roll-down losses as the futures price converges or is “pulled down” to the spot price. Trade 2 would benefit from a decrease rather than an increase in volatility; an alternative trade in the options space would be to buy call options to hedge the portfolio.
老师可以解释一下这题吗？
