On the structure of discounted optimal stopping problems for one-dimensional diffusions

We connect two approaches for solving discounted optimal stopping problems for one-dimensional time-homogeneous regular diffusion processes on infinite time intervals. The optimal stopping rule is assumed to be the first exit time of the underlying process from a region restricted by two constant boundaries. We provide an explicit decomposition of the reward process into a product of a gain function of the boundaries and a uniformly integrable martingale inside the continuation region. This martingale plays a key role for stating sufficient conditions for the optimality of the first exit time. We also consider several illustrating examples of rational valuation of perpetual American strangle options. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.