What Is Monte Carlo Simulation?

Also referred to as Multiple Probability Simulation or Monte Carlo Method, this statistical technique uses randomness to solve probabilistic problems. Also, it can perform sensitivity analysisSensitivity AnalysisSensitivity analysis is a type of analysis that is based on what-if analysis, which examines how independent factors influence the dependent aspect and predicts the outcome when an analysis is performed under certain conditions.read more and correlation between input variables. It finds its application in prediction and forecasting models in business, supply chain, project management, finance, science, engineering, particle physics, artificial intelligence, astronomy, meteorology, sales forecasting, and stock pricing.

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Key Takeaways

  • Monte Carlo Method or Simulation is a mathematical method for calculating probabilities of several alternative outcomes in an uncertain process via repeated random sampling. It also works well in sensitivity analysis and correlation of input variables.During World War II, mathematicians John von Neumann and Stanislaw Ulam developed this computational technique. It aims at helping people make better decisions by analyzing the risks and uncertainties of an event.The three primary techniques for effective Multiple Probability Simulation are – predictive approach, probability distribution, and repeated simulations.It can be applied to any field for risk analysis, to solve probabilistic problems, and in prediction models, including business, project management, finance, science, engineering, etc.

How Does Monte Carlo Simulation Work?

The Monte Carlo Simulation method is ideal in performing risk analysisRisk AnalysisRisk analysis refers to the process of identifying, measuring, and mitigating the uncertainties involved in a project, investment, or business. There are two types of risk analysis - quantitative and qualitative risk analysis.read more and forecasting results in uncertain situations due to random variables. It is a computerized mathematical method used to predict the probability of different possible outcomes in a process. And for that purpose, it assigns multiple values to variable inputs and conducts repeated random sampling. The average of these results will give an estimate once the simulation is complete.

It derives its name from the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. However, this method of finding probabilities for any series of random events dates back to World War II. In the 1940s, mathematicians Stanislaw Ulam and John von Neumann developed it to help people make better decisions in the face of uncertainties.

The technique helps estimate the probability of cost overrunsCost OverrunsCost overrun, also known as budget overrun, is a scenario in which the cost of a project or business tends to rise above what was budgeted for. This can be due to improper budgeting or underestimating of the actual cost owing to unforeseen scenarios that were not factored into the budgeting process.read more in businesses and predict the price movement of an asset in finance. Besides, it is equally applicable in other scenarios like science and engineering. It also aids in the quantitative analysis of chance and random outcomes in casino games like roulette and dice.

Practical Case

As it uses repeated random sampling, the accuracy of probabilities or predictions varies with type, nature, and volume of samples.

Let us say an entity is attempting to find out the average height of the U.S. population. It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the height of 333 million (approximately) people. In such cases, different groups in different regions would gather height details from selected samples to find out the average height.

Thus, first of all, the sample selection must remain unbiased. If surveyors collect samples of tall or short people, it will not give accurate results. Hence, the correct data would be obtained only through fair sample selection using a probability distribution.

Secondly, as samples would represent many people, data collectors need to use more and more people as random samples. The greater the number of people, the better and more accurate range of results will be.

Methods Of Monte Carlo Simulation

The multiple probability simulation applies to various niches, including sales forecasting, stock trading, project management, etc. The three most prominent ways of reaching the best possible outcomes evolving out of a repeated random sampling include:

  • Predictive Approach – It determines dependent and independent variables to obtain the desired range of findings. Probability Distribution – This method identifies independent variables as they are responsible for different possibilities of multiple outcomes that would occur. It is one of the best ways to find uncertainties accurately and getting prepared for the same accordingly.Repeated Simulations – This technique allows repeating the simulation ‘n’ number of times. It gives results that are more likely to affect a particular process.

Monte Carlo Simulation Example & Calculation

To understand the proper step-wise calculation, let us consider a Monte Carlo Simulation example where Sam wants to predict the prices of a particular stock on a given day.

Sam gathers some historical data from a financial website to understand the trend and to predict the value. He imports the data on an Excel sheet. The sheet has six columns, including column A for Date and column B for Opening Prices for that date. The third column, i.e., C, is labeled as Change. He calculates the price change in column C for each day using the formula:

=ln(Today’s price/Yesterday’s price)

Sam then labels the fourth column D as Random to find a random number. For which, he applies the Excel function:

=RANDBETWEEN(1,1110)

Here, 1 is the first cell number of the first column containing data, while 1110 is the last cell number of that particular column. As soon as Sam clicks on the next cell, the random number for that row gets revealed. The same formula calculates the values for other cells of the column as well.

The fifth column E labeled as Random Change uses the Excel functionExcel FunctionExcel functions help the users to save time and maintain extensive worksheets. There are 100+ excel functions categorized as financial, logical, text, date and time, Lookup & Reference, Math, Statistical and Information functions.read more to find out random change from the variation in the historical value:

=small(C2:C1110,D2)

Here, C2 denotes the price variation that occurred in the history, and D2 is the column-row that contains random numbers applicable for respective rows. The last column F is for Price, which he simulates using the following formula to calculate the stock price for any given day:

=Yesterday’s Stock Price*exp(Random Change)

Where,

exp = the periodic daily return mentioned (exponential) in column E labeled as Random Change

Drift And Random Input Analysis

Two components that help assess the expected price movement of stock are drift and random input. While the former indicates the constant directional movement, the latter is variable depending on the market volatility.

Drift = Average Daily return – (Variance/2)

  • Average Daily Return = Obtained from Excel function AVERAGEExcel Function AVERAGEThe AVERAGE function in Excel gives the arithmetic mean of the supplied set of numeric values. This formula is categorized as a Statistical Function. The average formula is =AVERAGE(read more from periodic daily returnVariance = Obtained from Excel function VAR.P from periodic daily return

Random Value = σ * NORMSINV(RAND())

  • σ=Standard deviation obtained from Excel function STDEV.PSTDEV.PThe standard deviation shows the variability of the data values from the mean (average). In Excel, the STDEV and STDEV.S calculate sample standard deviation while STDEVP and STDEV.P calculate population standard deviation. STDEV is available in Excel 2007 and the previous versions. However, STDEV.P and STDEV.S are only available in Excel 2010 and subsequent versions.
  • read more from periodic daily returnNORMSINV and RAND = Excel functions​

The formula to calculate the next day’s price is:

Next Day’s Price = Price Today * e (Drift value + Random input)

Applications

#1 – Project Management

The PERT function, on the contrary, indicates a triangular distribution of possible outcomes. It helps identify uncertainties associated with a project if the activity duration changes, making the deadline a random variable.

The triangular distribution indicates that the delay in the task start will lead to its early completion, given the deadline is already mentioned.

#2 – Finance

Monte Carlo Simulation in finance works on multiple fronts. Of these, the first one is options valuation. It helps analyze potential risks associated with equity options pricing. It simulates the fluctuation in underlying share values on multiple price paths to determine the option payoff for different price paths. Averaging these payoffs will give the current option price.

The next is the valuation of a portfolio. This method simulates factors affecting the value of multiple portfolios to assess all possible outcomes. Finally, it determines the overall average value of all simulated portfolios and uses it to calculate the most accurate portfolio assessment.

The third one on the list is the sensitivity analysis performed in financial modelingFinancial ModelingFinancial modeling refers to the use of excel-based models to reflect a company’s projected financial performance. Such models represent the financial situation by taking into account risks and future assumptions, which are critical for making significant decisions in the future, such as raising capital or valuing a business, and interpreting their impact.read more. Here, conducting Monte Carlo Simulation in Excel shows a change in a business’ net present valueNet Present ValueNet Present Value (NPV) estimates the profitability of a project and is the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the present value of cash outflows over the project’s time period. If the difference is positive, the project is profitable; otherwise, it is not.read more (NPV) with changes in underlying variables.

#3 – Business

In addition to the above domains, the technique assists in project investments and default riskDefault RiskDefault risk is a form of risk that measures the likelihood of not fulfilling obligations, such as principal or interest repayment, and is determined mathematically based on prior commitments, financial conditions, market conditions, liquidity position, and current obligations, among other factors.read more assessments of a business. Corporate decision-makers use this strategy to forecast sales volume, commodity prices, labor costs, exchange rates, and risks associated with contract cancellation or tax legislation changes.

#4 – Science & Engineering

The Monte Carlo method evaluates the degree of risks and error percentage in various fields, including materials science, engineering, biology, quantum physics, and architecture. The repetitive events and several calculations involved in these processes make the computation complex, but results obtained through this method help arrive close to accurate figures.

This has been a guide Monte Carlo Simulation and its definition. Here we discuss how does Monte Carlo Simulation work, along with methods, examples, and application. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

Monte Carlo or Multiple Probability Simulation is a statistical method for determining the likelihood of multiple possible outcomes based on repeated random sampling. It plays a crucial role in analyzing risks and solving probabilistic problems, allowing businesses, investors, scientists, and engineers to predict the range of results expected out of an uncertain situation due to the presence of random variables.

Of course, using the Monte Carlo method helps users predict risks and uncertainties associated with a particular event or process about to occur.

The Monte Carlo or Multiple Probability Simulation in finance involves options valuation, portfolio valuation, and sensitivity analysis. It, thus, enables investors to evaluate the risk associated with trading and develop financial models respectively.

  • Downside RiskDownside RiskDownside Risk is a statistical measure to calculate the loss in a security’s value due to variations in the market conditions. Also, it refers to the uncertainty level of realized returns being much lesser than the anticipated ones. read moreMarket RiskMarket RiskMarket risk is the risk that an investor faces due to the decrease in the market value of a financial product that affects the whole market and is not limited to a particular economic commodity. It is often called systematic risk.read moreOption Adjusted SpreadsOption Adjusted SpreadsOption-Adjusted Spread (OAS) is a yield spread which is added to the benchmark yield curve to price security with an embedded option. This spread measures the deviation of the security’s performance from the benchmark on the back of an embedded option. read more