Arbitrage theory without a num\'eraire

Abstract

This note develops an arbitrage theory for a discrete-time market model without the assumption of the existence of a num\'eraire asset. Fundamental theorems of asset pricing are stated and proven in this context. The distinction between the notions of investment-consumption arbitrage and pure-investment arbitrage provide a discrete-time analogue of the distinction between the notions of absolute arbitrage and relative arbitrage in the continuous-time theory. Applications to the modelling of bubbles is discussed.