Derivatives Demystified. A Step-by-Step Guide to Forwards, Futures, Swaps and Options

The book is a step-by-step guide to derivative products. By distilling the complex mathematics and theory that underlie the subject, Chisholm explains derivative products in straightforward terms, focusing on applications and intuitive explanations wherever possible. Case studies and examples of how the products are used to solve real-world problems, as well as an extensive glossary and material on the latest derivative products make this book a must have for anyone working with derivative products.

A clear, practical guide to working effectively with derivative securities products Derivatives Essentials is an accessible, yet detailed guide to derivative securities. With an emphasis on mechanisms over formulas, this book promotes a greater understanding of the topic in a straightforward manner, using plain-English explanations. Mathematics are included, but the focus is on comprehension and the issues that matter most to practitioners—including the rights and obligations, terms and conventions, opportunities and exposures, trading, motivation, sensitivities, pricing, and valuation of each product. Coverage includes forwards, futures, options, swaps, and related products and trading strategies, with practical examples that demonstrate each concept in action. The companion website provides Excel files that illustrate pricing, valuation, sensitivities, and strategies discussed in the book, and practice and assessment questions for each chapter allow you to reinforce your learning and gauge the depth of your understanding. Derivative securities are a complex topic with many «moving parts,» but practitioners must possess a full working knowledge of these products to use them effectively. This book promotes a truly internalized understanding rather than rote memorization or strict quantitation, with clear explanations and true-to-life examples. Understand the concepts behind derivative securities Delve into the nature, pricing, and offset of sensitivities Learn how different products are priced and valued Examine trading strategies and practical examples for each product Pricing and valuation is important, but understanding the fundamental nature of each product is critical—it gives you the power to wield them more effectively, and exploit their natural behaviors to achieve both short- and long-term market goals. Derivatives Essentials provides the clarity and practical perspective you need to master the effective use of derivative securities products.

Praise for Options Theory and Trading «I've had the pleasure of teaching with Ron Ianieri at numerous live seminars for traders and investors, and one thing is for sure-Ron knows options! Now Ron has created a thorough, easy-to-read guide that you can benefit from in many ways, whether you are experienced in options trading or just starting out. I believe you will find Options Theory and Trading like Ron himself . . . full of knowledge, entertaining, fast-paced, and a joy to be around.» —Price Headley, CFA, CMT, founder of BigTrends.com «I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ron for many years now. When managing funds in our asset management company, Ron has always been our 'go-to guy' on anything options-related. I've also taught a number of seminars side by side with Ron over the years where I've always come home knowing more about options than when I left! The man is truly the 'pitbull' of derivatives.» —Peter Reznicek, Chief Equity Strategist, www.ShadowTrader.net «What a pleasure to read Ron Ianieri's new book, Options Theory and Trading. As a market technician for the last thirty-three years I am always looking for technical moves in stocks, and I rely on Ron's expertise for the optimum options strategy needed for each specific move I perceive happening in the markets. Ron's 'in the pits' experience serves to correct the misinformation in much of the published material and classes currently available to the unsuspecting options trader.» —David Steelsmith Elliott, Wallstreetteachers.com, World's #1 Market Timer, USIC «Ron's expertise in options is as high as there is and his experience is unparalleled. Ron not only knows the answer but can explain it in a '101' fashion that is simple enough for even a novice to understand. His book is written in the same fashion. Ron not only explains the 'how to's' but also the 'how and why' which other books just don't seem to do. As a day trader/swing trader by nature, I also appreciate Ron incorporating real chart examples for us directional traders. For these reasons, I would highly recommend Ron's book to anyone interested in using options.» —Chris Rowe, The Trend Rider, www.tycoonresearch.com

An in-depth look at the best ways to navigate the post-reform world of derivatives and futures The derivatives market is one of the largest, and most important financial markets in the world. It's also one of the least understood. Today we are witnessing the unprecedented reform and reshaping of this market, and along with these events, the entire life cycle of a derivatives transaction has been affected. Accordingly, nearly all market participants in the modern economy need to view the handling of risk by derivatives in a very different way. Many aspects of financial services reform are based on a belief that derivatives caused the Great Recession of 2008. While the difficulties we now face cannot be blamed solely on derivatives, the need to understand this market, and the financial products that trade within it, has never been greater. The Post-Reform Guide to Derivatives and Futures provides straightforward descriptions of these important investment products, the market in which they trade, and the law that now, after July 16, 2011, governs their use in America and creates challenges for investors throughout the world. Author Gordon Peery is an attorney who works exclusively in the derivatives markets and specializes in derivatives and futures reform and market structure. Since representing clients in Congressional hearings involving Enron Corp., he has developed extensive experience in this field. With this guide, he reveals how derivatives law, and market practice throughout the world, began to change in historic ways beginning in 2011, and what you must do to keep up with these changes. Explains what derivatives and futures are, who trades them, and what must be done to manage risk in the post reform world Accurately reflects the futures and derivatives markets as they exist today and how they will be transformed by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Highlights the risks and common disputes regarding derivatives and futures, and offers recommendations for best practices in light of the evolving law governing derivatives The financial crisis has changed the rules of Wall Street, especially when it comes to derivatives and futures. The Post-Reform Guide to Derivatives and Futures will help you navigate this evolving field and put you in a better position to make the most informed decisions within it.

An up-to-date look at the evolution of interest rate swaps and derivatives Interest Rate Swaps and Derivatives bridges the gap between the theory of these instruments and their actual use in day-to-day life. This comprehensive guide covers the main «rates» products, including swaps, options (cap/floors, swaptions), CMS products, and Bermudan callables. It also covers the main valuation techniques for the exotics/structured-notes area, which remains one of the most challenging parts of the market. Provides a balance of relevant theory and real-world trading instruments for rate swaps and swap derivatives Uses simple settings and illustrations to reveal key results Written by an experienced trader who has worked with swaps, options, and exotics With this book, author Amir Sadr shares his valuable insights with practitioners in the field of interest rate derivatives-from traders and marketers to those in operations.

The legal, financial, and business primer to the M&A process Mergers and Acquisitions offers accessible step-by-step guidance through the M&A process to provide the legal and financial background required to navigate these deals successfully. From the initial engagement letter to the final acquisition agreement, this book delves into the mechanics of the process from beginning to end, favoring practical advice and actionable steps over theoretical concepts. Coverage includes deal structure, corporate structuring considerations, tax issues, public companies, leveraged buyouts, troubled businesses and more, with a uniquely solution-oriented approach to the M&A process. This updated second edition features new discussion on cross-border transactions and «pseudo» M&A deals, and the companion websites provides checklists and sample forms to facilitate organization and follow-through. Mergers and acquisitions are complex, and problems can present themselves at each stage of the process; even if the deal doesn't fall through, you may still come out with less than you bargained for. This book is a multi-disciplinary primer for anyone navigating an M&A, providing the legal, financial, and business advice that helps you swing the deal your way. Understand the legal mechanics of an M&A deal Navigate the process with step-by-step guidance Compare M&A structures, and the rationale behind each Solve common issues and avoid transactional missteps Do you know what action to take when you receive an engagement letter, confidentiality agreement, or letter of intent? Do you know when to get the banker involved, and how? Simply assuming the everything will work out well guarantees that it will—for the other side. Don't leave your M&A to chance; get the information and tools you need to get it done right. Mergers and Acquisitions guides you through the process step-by-step with expert insight and real-world advice.

Praise for Computer-Aided Fraud Prevention and Detection: A Step-by-Step Guide «A wonderful desktop reference for anyone trying to move from traditional auditing to integrated auditing. The numerous case studies make it easy to understand and provide a how-to for those?seeking to implement automated tools including continuous assurance. Whether you are just starting down the path or well on your way, it is a valuable resource.» -Kate M. Head, CPA, CFE, CISA Associate Director, Audit and Compliance University of South Florida «I have been fortunate enough to learn from Dave's work over the last fifteen years, and this publication is no exception. Using his twenty-plus years of experience, Dave walks through every aspect of detecting fraud with a computer from the genesis of the act to the mining of data for its traces and its ultimate detection. A complete text that first explains how one prevents and detects fraud regardless of technology and then shows how by automating such procedures, the examiners' powers become superhuman.» -Richard B. Lanza, President, Cash Recovery Partners, LLC «Computer-Aided Fraud Prevention and Detection: A Step-by-Step Guide helps management and auditors answer T. S. Eliot's timeless question, 'Where is the knowledge lost in information?' Data analysis provides a means to mine the knowledge hidden in our information. Dave Coderre has long been a leader in educating auditors and others about Computer Assisted Audit Techniques. The book combines practical approaches with unique data analysis case examples that compel the readers to try the techniques themselves.» -Courtenay Thompson Jr. Consultant, Courtenay Thompson & Associates

A critical guide to corporate valuation modeling Valuation is at the heart of everything that Wall Street does. Every day, millions of transactions to purchase or sell companies take place based on prices created by the activities of all market participants. In this book, author Keith Allman provides you with a core model to value companies. Corporate Valuation Modeling takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a powerful corporate valuation model. Each chapter skillfully discusses the theory of the concept, followed by Model Builder instructions that inform you of every step necessary to create the template model. Many chapters also include a validation section that shows techniques and implementations that you can employ to make sure the model is working properly. Walks you through the full process of constructing a fully dynamic corporate valuation model A Tool Box section at the end of each chapter assists readers who may be less skilled in Excel techniques and functions Complete with a companion CD-ROM that contains constructed models, this book is an essential guide to understanding the intricacies of corporate valuation modeling. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

A comprehensive study companion to The Options Course, Second Edition In The Options Course Workbook, Second Edition, George Fontanills offers a wealth of practical exercises that will help further the readers' understanding of options, as well as test and apply what they've learned before they take their first step into the real markets-where time and money are luxuries they cannot afford to lose. This hands-on companion to The Options Course, Second Edition includes a complete answer key and covers a wide range of options issues. George A. Fontanills (Miami, FL) is the President Emeritus of Optionetics, the world leader in Options Education, with offices around the world specializing in teaching high-profit, low-risk, low-stress option trading strategies (www.optionetics.com.) George also runs a hedge fund and money management company. He has written many books, including Trade Options Online (0-471-35938-6), The Volatility Course (0-471-39816-0), The Volatility Course Workbook (0-471-39817-9), and The Stock Market Course (0-471-39315-0)

I've worked with simulation in business for over 20 years, and Allman really nails it with this book. I admit that I own his previous book on structured finance cash flows, but I was surprised by what I found in here. He addresses the fundamental questions of how decision makers react to simulations and his read was very much in accordance with what I've experienced myself. When it came to the nuts and bolts of describing the different types of simulation analysis the book becomes incredibly detailed. There is working code and models for a fantastic array of the most common simulation problems. If you're so inclined, the book very carefully steps through the tricky math needed to really understand the theory behind stochastic modeling in finance. If you're preparing models that include any kind of randomization or stochastic modeling component, this book is a must-read, a tremendous value and time-saver. – David Brode of The Brode Group A practical guide to understanding and implementing financial simulation modeling As simulation techniques become more popular among the financial community and a variety of sub-industries, a thorough understanding of theory and implementation is critical for practitioners involved in portfolio management, risk management, pricing, and capital budgeting. Financial Simulation Modeling in Excel contains the information you need to make the most informed decisions possible in your professional endeavors. Financial Simulation Modeling in Excel contains a practical, hands-on approach to learning complex financial simulation methodologies using Excel and VBA as a medium. Crafted in an easy to understand format, this book is suitable for anyone with a basic understanding of finance and Excel. Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, each chapter takes you through the theory behind a simulation topic and the implementation of that same topic in Excel/VBA in a step-by-step manner. Organized in an easy-to-follow fashion, this guide effectively walks you through the process of creating and implementing risk models in Excel A companion website contains all the Excel models risk experts and quantitative analysts need to practice and confirm their results as they progress Keith Allman is the author of other successful modeling books, including Corporate Valuation Modeling and Modeling Structured Finance Cash Flows with Microsoft Excel Created for those with some background in finance and experience in Excel, this reliable resource shows you how to effectively perform sound financial simulation modeling, even if you've yet to do extensive modeling up to this point in your professional or academic career.