Demystifying Exotic Products

In recent times, derivatives have been inaccurately labelled the financial weapons of mass destruction responsible for the worst financial crisis in recent history. Inherently complex and perilous for the ill-informed investment professional they can however also be gainfully harnessed. This book is a practical guide to the complexities of exotic products written in simple terms based on the premise that derivatives are not homogenous, and not necessarily dangerous. By exploring common themes behind the construction of various structured products in interest rates, equities and foreign exchange, and investigating the economic environment that promoted the explosive growth of these products, this book will help readers make sense of their relevance in this period of economic uncertainty. Subsequently, by explaining exotic products with simple mathematics, it will aid readers in understanding their potential use in certain investment strategies whilst having a firm control over risk. Exotic products need not be inaccessible. By understanding the products available investors can make informed decisions ensuring features are consistent with their investment objectives and risk preferences. Author Chia Chiang Tan takes readers through the risks and rewards of each product, illustrating when products can damage investment strategies and how to avoid them, leading to suitable, profitable investments. Ultimately, this book will provide practitioners with an understanding of derivatives, enabling them to determine for themselves which products will fit their investment strategy, and how to use them based on the economic environment and inherent risks.

In recent times, derivatives have been inaccurately labelled the financial weapons of mass destruction responsible for the worst financial crisis in recent history. Inherently complex and perilous for the ill-informed investment professional they can however also be gainfully harnessed. This book is a practical guide to the complexities of exotic products written in simple terms based on the premise that derivatives are not homogenous, and not necessarily dangerous. By exploring common themes behind the construction of various structured products in interest rates, equities and foreign exchange, and investigating the economic environment that promoted the explosive growth of these products, this book will help readers make sense of their relevance in this period of economic uncertainty. Subsequently, by explaining exotic products with simple mathematics, it will aid readers in understanding their potential use in certain investment strategies whilst having a firm control over risk. Exotic products need not be inaccessible. By understanding the products available investors can make informed decisions ensuring features are consistent with their investment objectives and risk preferences. Author Chia Chiang Tan takes readers through the risks and rewards of each product, illustrating when products can damage investment strategies and how to avoid them, leading to suitable, profitable investments. Ultimately, this book will provide practitioners with an understanding of derivatives, enabling them to determine for themselves which products will fit their investment strategy, and how to use them based on the economic environment and inherent risks.

Edited by one of the foremost experts in the field of exotic options, this handbook explains the theoretical foundations, structures, and applications of these exciting new instruments. It provides an in-depth explanation of the latest uses of exotic options by institutional investors and corporate treasurers, as well as the latest thinking on advanced topics.

Smile Pricing Explained provides a clear and thorough explanation of the concepts of smile modelling that are at the forefront of modern derivatives pricing. The key models used in practice are covered, together with numerical techniques and calibration.

Confused about commodities? Consult this essential resource Oil, rice, corn, the Euro--commodities these days are hot, and they're getting hotter. This engaging and thorough guide covers all the basics you'll need to profit from today's most active investment classes. Commodities Demystified takes you straight to the heart of the subject, beginning with a discussion on the basic elements of the commodities market. It then introduces you to the various available commodities and investment options, including exchange-traded instruments, futures, and options, and explains the correlation between inflation and commodity prices. Finally, each chapter ends with a quick-review quiz enabling you to test your knowledge. Designed to provide a thorough education without overwhelming you with complexities and mystifying jargon, this self-teaching guide is exactly what you need to successfully identify and trade commodities in today's market. This confusion-busting guide covers: The fundamentals of the commodities market Different commodity classes and subclasses Finding a reputable commodities broker How to make online trades Strategies for minimizing risk and maximizing profits

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.

In classical Newtonian mechanics, equations and formulas never change form. The same thing cannot be said about the equations and formulas of electromagnetic theory, which often change form when converted from one system of units to another. This work aims to provide the technical professional with an explanation of how to convert electromagnetic equations from one system of units to another. The level is geared to professionals and students who have a sound understanding of electricity and magnetism. It explains all five systems of electromagnetic units in depth, four connected to the centimetre-gram-second (cgs) system of mechanical units and one connected to the metre-kilogram-second (mks) system of mechanical units - commonly called the Systeme International.

A concise yet comprehensive guidebook that addresses the practical aspects of investing in derivatives. Written for the professional market but accessible enough for individual investors, The Investor’s Guidebook to Derivatives includes all the information needed to succeed in today’s complex derivatives market, including: • What constitutes a “derivative instrument” • The difference between forward and forecast prices • Pricing and using forward contracts • Swaps: pricing and applications • Option vocabulary • Pricing options—a framework • Implementing directional and volatility strategies • Exotic options: pricing and applications • Options on natural occurrences: rain, snow, and wind The Investor’s Guidebook series presents investment vehicles and strategies from both the issuers’ and the investors’ perspectives. Starting with basic concepts and then building to state-of-the-art pricing models, strategies, and tactics, these succinct handbooks will be useful for everyone from new hires through experienced professionals. Unlike most books, which are read once and sit on the shelf, professionals will refer to these books repeatedly throughout their careers.

Advanced Guidance to Excelling in the FX Market Once you have a textbook understanding of money market and foreign exchange products, turn to FX Options and Structured Products, Second Edition, for the beyond-vanilla options strategies and traded deals proven superior in today’s post-credit crisis trading environment. With the thoroughness and balance of theory and practice only Uwe Wystup can deliver, this fully revised edition offers authoritative solutions for the real world in an easy-to-access format. See how specific products actually work through detailed case studies featuring clear examples of FX options, common structures and custom solutions. This complete resource is both a wellspring of ideas and a hands-on guide to structuring and executing your own strategies. Distinguish yourself with a valued skillset by: Working through practical and thought-provoking challenges in more than six dozen exercises, all with complete solutions in a companion volume Gaining a working knowledge of the latest, most popular products, including accumulators, kikos, target forwards and more Getting close to the everyday realities of the FX derivatives market through new, illuminating case studies for corporates, municipalities and private banking FX Options and Structured Products, Second Edition is your go-to road map to the exotic options in FX derivatives.

This book evaluates investment opportunities such as life settlements, litigation funding, farmlands, royalties, weather derivatives, collectables and other unique asset classes. It provides an in-depth analysis of the returns, risks, opportunities and portfolio effects for anyone who wants to expand their investment horizons. This book is for individual investors, financial advisors, and academics who desire knowledge about investment products beyond just stocks and bonds or vanilla hedge funds, private equity and real estate investments. It provides a critical link to industry data and original research to support the case for adding exotic alternative investments to traditional portfolios.