Book 176

A comprehensive look at how probability and statistics is applied to the investment process

Finance has become increasingly more quantitative, drawing on techniques in probability and statistics that many finance practitioners have not had exposure to before. In order to keep up, you need a firm understanding of this discipline.
Probability and Statistics for Finance addresses this issue by showing you how to apply quantitative methods to portfolios, and in all matter of your practices, in a clear, concise manner. Informative and accessible, this guide starts off with the basics and builds to an intermediate level of mastery.
•    Outlines an array of topics in probability and statistics and how to apply them in the world of finance
•    Includes detailed discussions of descriptive statistics, basic probability theory, inductive statistics, and multivariate analysis
•    Offers real-world illustrations of the issues addressed throughout the text
The authors cover a wide range of topics in this book, which can be used by all finance professionals as well as students aspiring to enter the field of finance.


Book 177

The most comprehensive coverage of institutional investment management issues This comprehensive handbook of investment management theories, concepts, and applications opens with an overview of the financial markets and investments, as well as a look at institutional investors and their objectives. From here, respected investment expert Frank Fabozzi moves on to cover a wide array of issues in this evolving field. From valuation and fixed income analysis to alternative investments and asset allocation, Fabozzi provides the best in cutting-edge information for new and seasoned practitioners, as well as professors and students of finance. Contains practical, real-world applications of investment management theories and concepts Uses unique illustrations of factor models to highlight how to build a portfolio Includes insights on execution and measurement of transaction costs Covers fixed income (particularly structured products) and derivatives Institutional Investment Management is an essential read for anyone who needs to hone their skills in this discipline.

Book 178

Finance

by Frank J Fabozzi, Cfa and Pamela Peterson Drake

Published 1 January 2009
A comprehensive introduction to the dynamic world of finance Created by the experienced author team of Frank Fabozzi and Pamela Peterson Drake, Introduction to Finance examines the essential elements of this discipline and makes them understandable to a wide array of readers. For seasoned professionals looking for a review or newcomers to the finance profession, this book offers a comprehensive treatment of all finance topics. Issues addressed include the major areas of finance; different asset classes and market players; and concepts such as return, risk, diversification, arbitrage, leverage, and securitization. Also included are important discussions of valuation of assets, capital budgeting, and analysis. Introduction to Finance offers a well-rounded treatment of this field, and is a convenient reference for those looking to refresh or enhance their finance skills. Frank J. Fabozzi, PhD, CFA, CPA (New Hope, PA), is Professor in the Practice of Finance at Yale University's School of Management, Editor of the Journal of Portfolio Management, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Structured Finance and the Journal of Fixed Income.
Pamela Peterson Drake, PhD, CFA, (Harrisonburg, VA), is the J. Gray Ferguson Professor of Finance and Department Head of Finance and Business Law at James Madison University.

Book 179

Comprehensive coverage of the time value of money In this book, authors Pamela Peterson Drake and Frank Fabozzi fully expand upon the type of time value of money (TVM) concepts usually presented as part of overviews given in other general finance books. Various TVM concepts and theories are discussed, with the authors offering many examples throughout each chapter that serve to reinforce the tools and techniques covered. Problems and detailed solutions-demonstrated using two different financial calculators, as well as Excel-are also provided at the end of each chapter, while glossary terms are provided in an appendix to familiarize you with basic terms.* Provides the basic foundations of the time value of money* Covers issues ranging from an introduction of financial mathematics to calculating present/future values and understanding loan amortization* Contains problem/solution sets throughout, so you can test your knowledge of the topics discussed Understanding the time value of money is essential, and this reliable resource will help you gain a firm grasp of its many aspects and its real-world applications.

Book 181

While operational risk has long been regarded as a mere part of "other" risks––outside the realm of credit and market risk––it has quickly made its way to the forefront of finance. In fact, with implementation of the Basel II Capital Accord already underway, many financial professionals––as well as those preparing to enter this field––must now become familiar with a variety of issues related to operational risk modeling and management.

Written by the experienced team of Anna Chernobai, Svetlozar Rachev, and Frank Fabozzi, Operational Risk will introduce you to the key concepts associated with this discipline. Filled with in–depth insights, expert advice, and innovative research, this comprehensive guide not only presents you with an abundant amount of information regarding operational risk, but it also walks you through a wide array of examples that will solidify your understanding of the issues discussed.

Topics covered include:

  • The main challenges that exist in modeling operational risk.
  • The variety of approaches used to model operational losses.
  • Value–at–Risk and its role in quantifying and managing operational risk.
  • The three pillars of the Basel II Capital Accord.
  • And much more.

Book 187

An in-depth guide to understanding probability distributions and financial modeling for the purposes of investment management

In Financial Models with Lévy Processes and Volatility Clustering, the expert author team provides a framework to model the behavior of stock returns in both a univariate and a multivariate setting, providing you with practical applications to option pricing and portfolio management. They also explain the reasons for working with non-normal distribution in financial modeling and the best methodologies for employing it.

The book's framework includes the basics of probability distributions and explains the alpha-stable distribution and the tempered stable distribution. The authors also explore discrete time option pricing models, beginning with the classical normal model with volatility clustering to more recent models that consider both volatility clustering and heavy tails.

  • Reviews the basics of probability distributions
  • Analyzes a continuous time option pricing model (the so-called exponential Lévy model)
  • Defines a discrete time model with volatility clustering and how to price options using Monte Carlo methods
  • Studies two multivariate settings that are suitable to explain joint extreme events

Financial Models with Lévy Processes and Volatility Clustering is a thorough guide to classical probability distribution methods and brand new methodologies for financial modeling.


Book 189

A timely guide to today's high-yield corporate debt markets Leveraged Finance is a comprehensive guide to the instruments and markets that finance much of corporate America. Presented in five sections, this experienced author team covers topics ranging from the basics of bonds and loans to more advanced topics such as valuing CDs, default correlations among CLOs, and hedging strategies across corporate capital structures. Additional topics covered include basic corporate credit, relative value analysis, and various trading strategies used by investors, such as hedging credit risk with the equity derivatives of a different company. Stephen Antczak, Douglas Lucas, and Frank Fabozzi present readers with real-market examples of how investors can identify investment opportunities and how to express their views on the market or specific companies through trading strategies, and examine various underlying assets including loans, corporate bonds, and much more. They also offer readers an overview of synthetic and structured products such as CDS, LCDS, CDX, LCDX, and CLOs. Leveraged Finance has the information you need to succeed in this evolving financial arena.

Book 192

An introductory guide to the world of finance The Basics of Finance is an accessible book for those who want to gain a better understanding of this field, but lack a strong business background. It covers essential concepts, tools, methods, and strategies in finance without delving too far into theory. Written by the experienced author team of Frank Fabozzi and Pamela Peterson Drake, this reliable resource discusses everything from financial instruments and markets to portfolio management techniques, understanding and analyzing financial statements, and different types of corporate financial strategy, planning, and policy. * Explores, in a basic way, topics such as cash flow analysis, asset valuation, capital budgeting, and derivatives * Provides a solid foundation in the field of finance, which you can quickly build upon * Explains concepts in various areas of finance without getting too complicated The Basics of Finance offers essential guidance on financial markets and institutions, corporate finance, portfolio management, risk management, and much more. If you're looking to learn more about finance, this is the best place to start.

Book 194

A comprehensive volume that covers a complete array of traditional and alternative investment vehicles

This practical guide provides a comprehensive overview of traditional and alternative investment vehicles for professional and individual investors hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of using these products.

In it, expert authors Mark Anson, Frank Fabozzi, and Frank Jones clearly present the major principles and methods of investing and their risks and rewards. Along the way, they focus on providing you with the information needed to successfully invest using a host of different methods depending upon your needs and goals.

  • Topics include equities, all types of fixed income securities, investment-oriented insurance products, mutual funds, closed-end funds, investment companies, exchange-traded funds, futures, options, hedge funds, private equity, and real estate
  • Written by the expert author team of Mark Anson, Frank Fabozzi, and Frank Jones
  • Includes valuable insights for everyone from finance professionals to individual investors

Many finance books offer collections of expertise on one or two areas of finance, but The Handbook of Traditional and Alternative Investment Vehicles brings all of these topics together in one comprehensive volume.


Book 195

A practical guide to adapting financial advice and investing to a post crisis world There's no room for "business as usual" in today's investment management environment. Following the recent financial crisis, both retail and institutional investors are searching for new ways to oversee investment portfolios. How do you combine growth with a focus on wealth preservation? This book offers you a fresh perspective on the changes in tools and strategies needed to effectively achieve this goal. Financial Advice and Investment Decisions provides today's investment professionals with the conceptual framework and practical tools they need to successfully invest in and manage an investment portfolio with wealth preservation as a key concern. While there are many qualitative discussions, the authors present strong quantitative theory and practice in the form of small conceptual models, simulation, and empirical research.
* A comprehensive guide to properly managing investments with a focus on matching security and growth goals with the needs of the investor * Blends insights gleaned from portfolio management practices used prior to the market mayhem of 2007-2009 with cutting-edge academic and professional investment research * Includes innovative and wide-ranging treatment of subjects such as augmented balance sheets, the efficiency of markets, saving, spending, and investing habits, and dealing with uncertainty * Description of opportunities for improving the investing environment The recent financial crisis has opened our eyes to the need for improving the way we invest. This book will put you in a better position to excel in this new economic environment.

Book 200

An in-depth look at the latest innovations in mortgage-backed securities The largest sector of the fixed-income market is the mortgage market. Understanding this market is critical for portfolio managers, as well as issuers who must be familiar with how these securities are structured. Mortgage-Backed Securities is a timely guide to the investment characteristics, creation, and analysis of residential real estate-backed securities. Each chapter contains cutting-edge information for investors, traders, and other professionals involved in this market, including discussions of structuring mortgage products-such as agency CMOs and new types of mortgages-and an in-depth explanation of the concept of option-adjusted spreads and other analytical concepts used to assess relative value.

Book 204

Financial statements capture and report on four key business activities: planning, financing, investing, and operating activities. To intelligently understand, analyze, and interpret financial statements you must look for the right information, know where to locate it, and then act swiftly on the findings. Analysis of Financial Statements provides the essential concepts and tools needed by analysts who make decisions on the basis of information found in financial statements. This book offers a comprehensive approach to understanding financial statements, from sources of financial information and the three basic types of statements to the various measures that common stock and equity analysts can use to assess a company. Analysis of Financial Statements also includes examples of real world applications from practicing analysts plus review questions at the end of each chapter.

A comprehensive look at the tools and techniques used in quantitative equity management

Some books attempt to extend portfolio theory, but the real issue today relates to the practical implementation of the theory introduced by Harry Markowitz and others who followed. The purpose of this book is to close the implementation gap by presenting state-of-the art quantitative techniques and strategies for managing equity portfolios.

Throughout these pages, Frank Fabozzi, Sergio Focardi, and Petter Kolm address the essential elements of this discipline, including financial model building, financial engineering, static and dynamic factor models, asset allocation, portfolio models, transaction costs, trading strategies, and much more. They also provide ample illustrations and thorough discussions of implementation issues facing those in the investment management business and include the necessary background material in probability, statistics, and econometrics to make the book self-contained.

  • Written by a solid author team who has extensive financial experience in this area
  • Presents state-of-the art quantitative strategies for managing equity portfolios
  • Focuses on the implementation of quantitative equity asset management
  • Outlines effective analysis, optimization methods, and risk models

In today's financial environment, you have to have the skills to analyze, optimize and manage the risk of your quantitative equity investments. This guide offers you the best information available to achieve this goal.


An accessible guide to the growing field of financial econometrics

As finance and financial products have become more complex, financial econometrics has emerged as a fast-growing field and necessary foundation for anyone involved in quantitative finance. The techniques of financial econometrics facilitate the development and management of new financial instruments by providing models for pricing and risk assessment. In short, financial econometrics is an indispensable component to modern finance.

The Basics of Financial Econometrics covers the commonly used techniques in the field without using unnecessary mathematical/statistical analysis. It focuses on foundational ideas and how they are applied. Topics covered include: regression models, factor analysis, volatility estimations, and time series techniques.

  • Covers the basics of financial econometrics—an important topic in quantitative finance
  • Contains several chapters on topics typically not covered even in basic books on econometrics such as model selection, model risk, and mitigating model risk

Geared towards both practitioners and finance students who need to understand this dynamic discipline, but may not have advanced mathematical training, this book is a valuable resource on a topic of growing importance.



Praise for Robust Portfolio Optimization and Management "In the half century since Harry Markowitz introduced his elegant theory for selecting portfolios, investors and scholars have extended and refined its application to a wide range of real-world problems, culminating in the contents of this masterful book. Fabozzi, Kolm, Pachamanova, and Focardi deserve high praise for producing a technically rigorous yet remarkably accessible guide to the latest advances in portfolio construction." --Mark Kritzman, President and CEO, Windham Capital Management, LLC "The topic of robust optimization (RO) has become 'hot' over the past several years, especially in real-world financial applications. This interest has been sparked, in part, by practitioners who implemented classical portfolio models for asset allocation without considering estimation and model robustness a part of their overall allocation methodology, and experienced poor performance. Anyone interested in these developments ought to own a copy of this book. The authors cover the recent developments of the RO area in an intuitive, easy-to-read manner, provide numerous examples, and discuss practical considerations.
I highly recommend this book to finance professionals and students alike." --John M. Mulvey, Professor of Operations Research and Financial Engineering, Princeton University

The mathematical and statistical tools needed in the rapidly growing quantitative finance field

With the rapid growth in quantitative finance, practitioners must achieve a high level of proficiency in math and statistics. Mathematical Methods and Statistical Tools for Finance, part of the Frank J. Fabozzi Series, has been created with this in mind. Designed to provide the tools needed to apply finance theory to real world financial markets, this book offers a wealth of insights and guidance in practical applications.

It contains applications that are broader in scope from what is covered in a typical book on mathematical techniques. Most books focus almost exclusively on derivatives pricing, the applications in this book cover not only derivatives and asset pricing but also risk management—including credit risk management—and portfolio management.

  • Includes an overview of the essential math and statistical skills required to succeed in quantitative finance
  • Offers the basic mathematical concepts that apply to the field of quantitative finance, from sets and distances to functions and variables
  • The book also includes information on calculus, matrix algebra, differential equations, stochastic integrals, and much more
  • Written by Sergio Focardi, one of the world's leading authors in high-level finance

Drawing on the author's perspectives as a practitioner and academic, each chapter of this book offers a solid foundation in the mathematical tools and techniques need to succeed in today's dynamic world of finance.


A comprehensive portfolio optimization guide, with provided MATLAB code

Robust Equity Portfolio Management + Website offers the most comprehensive coverage available in this burgeoning field. Beginning with the fundamentals before moving into advanced techniques, this book provides useful coverage for both beginners and advanced readers. MATLAB code is provided to allow readers of all levels to begin implementing robust models immediately, with detailed explanations and applications in the equity market included to help you grasp the real-world use of each technique. The discussion includes the most up-to-date thinking and cutting-edge methods, including a much-needed alternative to the traditional Markowitz mean-variance model. Unparalleled in depth and breadth, this book is an invaluable reference for all risk managers, portfolio managers, and analysts.

Portfolio construction models originating from the standard Markowitz mean-variance model have a high input sensitivity that threatens optimization, spawning a flurry of research into new analytic techniques. This book covers the latest developments along with the basics, to give you a truly comprehensive understanding backed by a robust, practical skill set.

  • Get up to speed on the latest developments in portfolio optimization
  • Implement robust models using provided MATLAB code
  • Learn advanced optimization methods with equity portfolio applications
  • Understand the formulations, performances, and properties of robust portfolios

The Markowitz mean-variance model remains the standard framework for portfolio optimization, but the interest in--and need for--an alternative is rapidly increasing. Resolving the sensitivity issue and dramatically reducing portfolio risk is a major focus of today's portfolio manager. Robust Equity Portfolio Management + Website provides a viable alternative framework, and the hard skills to implement any optimization method.


In this era of unprecedented market volatility, complex new debt and equity instruments, sophisticated portfolio trading and hedging strategies and techniques, and relentless pressures to meet aggressive risk/return objectives, pension plan sponsors and fund managers, more than ever before, are in need of up-to-date accurate information and advice on the key aspects of pension fund management and investment. This is the primary objective of "Pension Fund Investment Management", which is the first and only book to address fund management from the sponsors perspective. Some of the topics covered include: setting investment policy - the sponsor's view of risk - internal versus external fund management - selection of money managers - manager fees and transaction costs - the role of fixed-income securities in plan portfolios - the benefits of indexing.

A detailed, multi-disciplinary approach to investment analytics

Portfolio Construction and Analytics provides an up-to-date understanding of the analytic investment process for students and professionals alike. With complete and detailed coverage of portfolio analytics and modeling methods, this book is unique in its multi-disciplinary approach. Investment analytics involves the input of a variety of areas, and this guide provides the perspective of data management, modeling, software resources, and investment strategy to give you a truly comprehensive understanding of how today's firms approach the process.  Real-world examples provide insight into analytics performed with vendor software, and references to analytics performed with open source software will prove useful to both students and practitioners.

Portfolio analytics refers to all of the methods used to screen, model, track, and evaluate investments. Big data, regulatory change, and increasing risk is forcing a need for a more coherent approach to all aspects of investment analytics, and this book provides the strong foundation and critical skills you need.

  • Master the fundamental modeling concepts and widely used analytics
  • Learn the latest trends in risk metrics, modeling, and investment strategies
  • Get up to speed on the vendor and open-source software most commonly used
  • Gain a multi-angle perspective on portfolio analytics at today's firms

Identifying investment opportunities, keeping portfolios aligned with investment objectives, and monitoring risk and performance are all major functions of an investment firm that relies heavily on analytics output. This reliance will only increase in the face of market changes and increased regulatory pressure, and practitioners need a deep understanding of the latest methods and models used to build a robust investment strategy. Portfolio Construction and Analytics is an invaluable resource for portfolio management in any capacity.