Complexity, Risk, and Financial Markets

Clearing houses, or CCPs, were among the very few organisations to emerge from the global financial crisis with their standing enhanced. In the chaotic aftermath of the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, they successfully completed trades worth trillions of dollars in a multitude of financial instruments across listed and over-the-counter markets, and so helped avert financial Armageddon. That success transformed the business of clearing. Governments and regulators around the world gave CCPs and the clearing services they provide a front-line role in protecting the global economy from future excesses of finance. CCPs, which mitigate risk in financial markets, responded by greatly expanding their activities, notably in markets for over-the-counter derivatives, and often in fierce competition with one another. In The Risk Controllers, journalist and author Peter Norman describes how CCPs operate, how they handled the Lehman default, and the challenges they now face. Because central counterparty clearing is a complex business with a long history that continues to influence decisions and structures even in today’s fast changing world, The Risk Controllers explores the development of CCPs and clearing from the earliest times to the present. It draws on the experiences of the people who helped to shape the business of clearing today. It sets the development of CCPs and clearing in the broader context of changes in society, politics and regulation. The book examines turning points, such as the 1987 stock market crash, that set clearing on a new path and the impact of long running trends, including the exponential growth of computer power and the ebb and flow of globalisation. Written in non-technical language, The Risk Controllers provides a unique and accessible guide to CCPs and clearing. It is essential reading for clearing professionals, legislators and regulators whose job it is to take this vitally important business into the future. “The recent crisis has, thankfully, renewed interest in the importance of central counterparties: how they can help preserve stability or, as Hong Kong showed in 1987, undermine stability if they are not super sound. Peter Norman’s book places the role of clearing houses in a historical context, and explains why the financial system’s plumbing matters so much. It should be read by anyone interested in building safer capital markets.” Paul Tucker, Deputy Governor Financial Stability, Bank of England

Comprehensive, accessible guide to technical analysis and market trading strategies Essentials of Technical Analysis for Financial Markets is an all-encompassing handbook on navigating the financial markets successfully using technical analysis. Clearly written, easy-to-understand, and straightforward, this guide focuses on the key information needed by traders and investors to take on any financial market effectively. Easy-to-use, at-your-fingertips information on using technical analysis to trade all major financial markets Explains how to navigate the markets successfully, including the top techniques for entries, exits, and risk management Straightforward descriptions of proven technical trading methods and strategies Filled with technical analysis insights, charts, and examples With financial markets in «roller coaster» mode, technical analysis offers a unique advantage for managing risk and finding high-probability trading opportunities. Packed with insightful tips and guidance, Essentials of Technical Analysis for Financial Markets provides proven trading strategies from one of today's top technical strategists.

Praise for Your Financial Edge «Paul McCulley is the man to heed. His knowledge of financial markets runs deep, and his experience has been the best. Beyond all his financial and economic wisdom, he is a human being with inborn instincts of kindness and thoughtfulness-attributes that bring to the reader something richer than just hard facts and sage advice. Jonathan Fuerbringer is the perfect partner for this project, a master of lucidity and a longtime observer of the best and the worst habits of investors.» -Peter Bernstein, bestselling author of Against the Gods «Paul McCulley's insightful observations on the economy and financial markets are key inputs to our investment thinking. This book provides analytical tools and actionable advice that can greatly improve your ability to navigate today's complex financial environment. Learn from a master (and maybe even future Federal Reserve Board member) and become a better investor.» -Bill Miller, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Legg Mason Capital Management «Paul McCulley is just the man to bring 'that ole-time religion' of economics into the new age of investing and help the reader to make coherent sense of just what is going on here. I should know…I listen to his counsel every day here at PIMCO, and for anyone who lacks a key to our door, this is the next best thing! Profit by the prophet-and yes-enjoy.» -William H. Gross, Managing Director, PIMCO «In this highly readable book, McCulley and Fuerbringer provide valuable insights, including how the world of policy making impacts investment decisions. Their entertaining and thoughtful analysis is accompanied by a series of penetrating real-life examples that demonstrate the choices facing investors as they seek to maximize returns and minimize risk. With its wisdom and unique perspective, this book will be of interest to both institutional investors and policymakers.» -Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, President and CEO, Harvard Management Company, member of the faculty, Harvard Business School, and Deputy Treasurer, Harvard University «There's a reason Paul McCulley is a favorite among financial pros and journalists all over the world. He anticipates investment trends before they happen and helps both professional and amateur investors stay ahead of the curve. This is a must-read book for anyone who wants to build and protect their portfolio in the risky decades ahead.» -Consuelo Mack, Anchor and Managing Editor, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack

Inside markets, innovation, and risk Why do markets keep crashing and why are financial crises greater than ever before? As the risk manager to some of the leading firms on Wall Street–from Morgan Stanley to Salomon and Citigroup–and a member of some of the world’s largest hedge funds, from Moore Capital to Ziff Brothers and FrontPoint Partners, Rick Bookstaber has seen the ghost inside the machine and vividly shows us a world that is even riskier than we think. The very things done to make markets safer, have, in fact, created a world that is far more dangerous. From the 1987 crash to Citigroup closing the Salomon Arb unit, from staggering losses at UBS to the demise of Long-Term Capital Management, Bookstaber gives readers a front row seat to the management decisions made by some of the most powerful financial figures in the world that led to catastrophe, and describes the impact of his own activities on markets and market crashes. Much of the innovation of the last 30 years has wreaked havoc on the markets and cost trillions of dollars. A Demon of Our Own Design tells the story of man’s attempt to manage market risk and what it has wrought. In the process of showing what we have done, Bookstaber shines a light on what the future holds for a world where capital and power have moved from Wall Street institutions to elite and highly leveraged hedge funds.

Chris Shea (aka the Market Coach) is an educator, counsellor and psychotherapist, who specialises in coaching clients to develop the psychological skills and drive to become independent, disciplined and successful traders and to sustain peak performance. This book is about preparing the reader to obtain a licence to trade, a vital step in the transformation to becoming profitable. The book also deals with some potential hurdles, especially with respect to the trader\'s mindset and ideas, which need to be overcome to allow efficient practice.

Praise for Lecturing Birds On Flying «Finally, a book taking a critical look at quantitative finance models, illuminating both their flawed fantasy assumptions as well as the uncritical use of such models on Wall Street, in many cases, leading to billion dollar losses. Pablo Triana knows both the financial industry and the academic community from the inside. A must-read for anyone interested in finance.» —Dr. Espen Gaarder Haug, trader, thinker, and author of Derivatives Models on Models «A thoroughly readable explanation of the problems that have beset the models and quantitative techniques that have underpinned so much of finance in recent years. If only the bankers had heeded this message a few years before, we might not be in such a big mess today.» —Gillian Tett, Assistant Editor of the Financial Times, overseeing global financial markets coverage, and author of Fool's Gold «Pablo Triana dismembers quantitative finance, in theory and in practice, with expertise, anger,and an excellent eye for the illuminating anecdote. By the time he has finished marshalling his evidence, his call to replace complex equations with something more like common sense sounds like, well, common sense.» —Edward Hadas, Assistant Editor at Breakingviews.com; and author of Human Goods, Economic Evils: A Moral Approach to the Dismal Science «Pablo Triana is an entertaining and engaging writer, even on the dry subject of finance theory. His debunking of conventional wisdom is a treat.» —Pauline Skypala, Editor, FTfm, Financial Times «Triana's book is an unrelenting fusillade of detailed and irrefutable arguments against financial theorems and those who teach them. It should, by rights, spark a revolution in both investment banks and business schools. But, at the very least, it is required reading for anyone who would regulate the finance industry.» —Felix Salmon, Finance Blogger, Reuters

An accessible guide that outlines the key elements of an effective financial plan From Larry Swedroe, the author of the bestselling series of «The Only Guide» investment books, with Kevin Grogan and Tiya Lim comes a step-by-step handbook that shows you how to develop a winning personal investment strategy and reveals what it takes to make that strategy part of your overall financial plan. The Only Guide You'll Ever Need for the Right Financial Plan focuses on the «art» of investing and gives you the information you need to create a strategy that is tailor-made for your particular situation. Designed for savvy investors and professional advisors, this book offers the vital information needed for developing and implementing an overall strategic financial plan. In this essential resource, Swedroe outlines the basics in asset allocation and other investment planning concepts. Addresses how you can design an investment policy statement and an individual asset allocation plan Examines how to maintain your portfolio's risk profile in the most cost-effective and tax-efficient manner Offers insights on integrating risk management and estate planning issues into your plan The Only Guide You'll Ever Need for the Right Financial Plan offers a handy tool to help you make more informed and prudent decisions that will go a long way to ensure a secure financial future.

In Financial Darwinism, author Leo Tilman lays the groundwork for understanding the new financial order by introducing his evolutionary thesis and then outlines an actionable decision-making framework that enables financial institutions and investors to fully leverage the power of business strategy, corporate finance, investment analysis, and risk management. Financial Darwinism is an invaluable road map to today's financial world and an essential guide to surviving and thriving during these challenging times.

To make money in this troubled economy you need to understand where the markets are headed, not where they?ve been. Clinging to outdated strategies and played out market trends are sure ways to miss out on new investments, and in The Little Book of Bull?s Eye Investing, acclaimed investment expert John Mauldin teaches you how to read the direction of the markets to make decisions that capitalize on today?s investment opportunities. A practical road map to what?s in store for the markets to help you stay ahead of the curve, the book debunks many of the myths that have come to govern investment logic, particularly the buy-and-hold, relative return vehicles that Wall Street peddles to unsuspecting investors. Giving you a clear view of the trends shaping the markets right now which are likely to provide investment options for the decade ahead, The Little Book of Bull?s Eye Investing teaches the value of careful research before you put your money to work. Whether the market is on its way up or down, there are always excellent opportunities to invest profitably. You just need to know where they are. Looking at how the markets have behaved in the past to make an educated prediction about where they?re going, The Little Book of Bull?s Eye Investing explains how to make investment decisions that make sense today, whether you?re trading stocks, bonds, gold, real estate, or anything else. Making the most of the markets is like hitting a moving target?difficult, but not impossible?and with The Little Book of Bull?s Eye Investing in hand, you have everything you need to improve your eye for investing and make stable and secure trading decisions that can turn a profit in even the most turbulent of times.

STRENGTHEN THE WEAKEST LINKS IN YOUR CYBERSECURITY CHAIN Across the world, the networks of hundreds of different world-class organizations have been breached in a seemingly never-ending stream of attacks that targeted the trusted vendors of major brands. From Target to Equifax, Home Depot, and GM, it seems as if no company is safe from a third-party incident or breach, regardless of size. And the advanced threats are now exploiting the intersection of weaknesses in cybersecurity and third-party risk management. In Cybersecurity and Third-Party Risk , veteran cybersecurity specialist Gregory Rasner walks readers through how to lock down the vulnerabilities posed to an organization’s network by third parties. You’ll discover how to move beyond a simple checklist and create an active, effective, and continuous system of third-party cybersecurity risk mitigation. The author discusses how to conduct due diligence on the third parties connected to your company’s networks and how to keep your information about them current and reliable. You’ll learn about the language you need to look for in a third-party data contract whether you’re offshoring or outsourcing data security arrangements. Perfect for professionals and executives responsible for securing their organizations’ systems against external threats, Cybersecurity and Third-Party Risk is an indispensable resource for all business leaders who seek to: Understand the fundamentals of third-party risk managementConduct robust intake and ongoing due diligencePerform on-site due diligence and close vendor risksSecure your software supply chainUtilize cloud and on-premises software securelyContinuously monitor your third-party vendors and prevent breaches