An Optimal Stopping Problem in a Diffusion-Type Model with Delay

Abstract

We present an explicit solution to an optimal stopping problem in a model described by a stochastic delay differential equation with an exponential delay measure. The method of proof is based on reducing the initial problem to a free-boundary problem and solving the latter by means of the smooth-fit condition. The problem can be interpreted as pricing special perpetual average American put options in a diffusion-type model with delay.