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Merger Arbitrage
by Thomas KirchnerA detailed look at an important hedge fund strategy Written by a fund manager who invests solely in merger arbitrage, also referred to as risk arbitrage, and other event-driven strategies, Merger Arbitrage is the definitive book on how this alternative hedge fund strategy works. Initial chapters are dedicated to the ins and outs of the strategy-cash mergers versus stock for stock mergers, legal aspects of mergers, and pitfalls of the merger process-while later chapters focus on giving the reader sound advice for integrating merger arbitrage into an investment portfolio. Merger Arbitrage helps readers understand leverage and options, shorting stocks, and legal aspects of merger arbitrage, including seeking appraisal or filing lawsuits for inadequate merger consideration. For those looking to gain an edge in the merger arbitrage arena, this book has everything they need to succeed. Thomas F. Kirchner, CFA (New York, NY), is the founder and portfolio manager of Pennsylvania Avenue Funds (www. pennavefunds. com), which invests in merger arbitrage and other event-driven strategies.
Merger Arbitrage: How to Profit from Global Event-Driven Arbitrage
by Thomas KirchnerMitigate risk and increase returns with an alternative hedge fund strategy Merger Arbitrage: How to Profit from Event-Driven Arbitrage, Second Edition is the definitive guide to the ins and outs of the burgeoning merger arbitrage hedge fund strategy, with real-world examples that illustrate how mergers work and how to take advantage of them. Author Thomas Kirchner, founder of the Pennsylvania Avenue Event-Driven Fund, discusses the factors that drove him to invest solely in merger arbitrage and other event-driven strategies, and details the methods used to incorporate merger arbitrage into traditional investment strategies. And while there is always a risk that a deal will fall through, the book explains how minimal such risks really are when the potential upside is factored in. Early chapters of the book focus on the basics of the merger arbitrage strategy, including an examination of mergers and the incorporation of risk into the arbitrage decision. Following chapters detail deal structures, financing, and legal aspects to provide the type of in-depth knowledge required to execute an effective investment strategy. The updated second edition stresses new, increasingly relevant information like: Worldwide legal deal regimes UK takeover code UK takeover code global offspring Regulators around the world The book provides clear, concise guidance on critical considerations including leverage and options, shorting stocks, and legal recourse for inadequate merger consideration, allowing readers to feel confident about trying a new investment strategy. With simple benefits including diversification of risk and return streams, this alternative hedge fund strategy has a place in even the most traditional plan. Merger Arbitrage: How to Profit from Event-Driven Arbitrage, Second Edition provides the information that gives investors an edge in the merger arbitrage arena.
Mergers & Acquisitions Integration Handbook
by Scott C. WhitakerProven strategies and tactics to manage the integration of acquired and/or merged companies Mergers & Acquisitions Integration Handbook is a comprehensive resource to help companies create a scalable post merger or acquisition integration process and framework that accelerates operating and business benefit goal realization. Includes tools, templates, forms, examples and checklists to provide a no nonsense "handbook" style approach to managing an effective integration. Helps integration managers quickly get up to speed on various integration challenges, including guidance on developing detailed operational and functional integration plans to support flawless execution. Reveals how to avoid integration failure by establishing an in-house integration management office to handle integration projects. Includes a sample integration playbook that can be used to create a core competency within companies to support ongoing integration activity. Botched integration is the number one reason mergers fail. Mergers & Acquisitions Integration Handbook shows you how to develop, execute and implement merger integrations and business strategies to realize your organization's mergers and acquisitions goals.
Middle Market M & A
by Robert T. Slee Kenneth H. Marks Christian W. Blees Michael R. NallIn-depth coverage in a single handbook of the middle market based on the body of knowledge of the Certified M&A AdvisorTM credential programM&A advisors have an unprecedented opportunity in the middle market with the generational transfer of wealth and capital being deployed by private equity and corporate investors. Middle Market M&A: Handbook for Investment Banking and Business Consulting is a must-read for investment bankers, M&A intermediaries and specialists, CPAs and accountants, valuation experts, deal and transaction attorneys, wealth managers and investors, corporate development leaders, consultants and advisors, CEOs, and CFOs.Provides a holistic overview and guide on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic transactions of companies with revenues from $5 million to $500 millionEncompasses current market trends, activities, and strategies covering pre, during, and post transactionAddresses the processes and core subject areas required to successfully navigate and close deals in the private capital marketIncludes content on engagement and practice management for those involved in the M&A businessThis practical guide and reference is also an excellent primer for those seeking to obtain their FINRA Series 79 license.
Mind Over Markets
by James F. Dalton Robert B. Dalton Eric T. JonesA timely update to the book on using the Market Profile method to trade Emerging over twenty years ago, Market Profile analysis continues to realize a strong following among active traders. The approach explains the underlying dynamics and structure of markets, identifies value areas, price rejection points, and measures the strength of buyers and sellers. Unlike more conventional forms of technical analysis, Market Profile is an all-encompassing approach, and Mind Over Markets, Updated Edition provides traders with a solid understanding of it.Since the first edition of Mind Over Markets--considered the best book on applying Market Profile analysis to trading--was published over a decade ago, much has changed in the worlds of finance and investing. That's why James Dalton, a pioneer in the popularization of Market Profile, has returned with a new edition of this essential guide. Written to reflect today's dynamic market conditions, Mind Over Markets, Updated Edition clearly puts this unique method of interpreting market behavior and identifying trading/investment opportunities in perspective.Includes new chapters on Market Profile-based trading strategies, using Market Profile in connection with other market indicators, and much moreExplains how the Market Profile approach has evolved over the past twenty-five years and how it is used by contemporary tradersWritten by a leading educator and authority on the Market ProfileOne of the key elements that has long separated successful traders from the rest is their intuitive understanding that time regulates all financial opportunities. The ability to record price information according to time has unleashed huge amounts of useful market information. Mind Over Markets, Updated Edition will show you how to profitably put this information to work for you.
Modern Portfolio Theory
by Dongcheol Kim Jack Clark FrancisA through guide covering Modern Portfolio Theory as well as the recent developments surrounding itModern portfolio theory (MPT), which originated with Harry Markowitz's seminal paper "Portfolio Selection" in 1952, has stood the test of time and continues to be the intellectual foundation for real-world portfolio management. This book presents a comprehensive picture of MPT in a manner that can be effectively used by financial practitioners and understood by students.Modern Portfolio Theory provides a summary of the important findings from all of the financial research done since MPT was created and presents all the MPT formulas and models using one consistent set of mathematical symbols. Opening with an informative introduction to the concepts of probability and utility theory, it quickly moves on to discuss Markowitz's seminal work on the topic with a thorough explanation of the underlying mathematics.Analyzes portfolios of all sizes and types, shows how the advanced findings and formulas are derived, and offers a concise and comprehensive review of MPT literatureAddresses logical extensions to Markowitz's work, including the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Arbitrage Pricing Theory, portfolio ranking models, and performance attributionConsiders stock market developments like decimalization, high frequency trading, and algorithmic trading, and reveals how they align with MPTCompanion Website contains Excel spreadsheets that allow you to compute and graph Markowitz efficient frontiers with riskless and risky assetsIf you want to gain a complete understanding of modern portfolio theory this is the book you need to read.
Modern Security Analysis
by Martin J. Whitman Fernando DizA legendary value investor on security analysis for a modern eraThis book outlines Whitman's approach to business and security analysis that departs from most conventional security analysts. This approach has more in common with corporate finance than it does with the conventional approach. The key factors in appraising a company and its securities: 1) Credit worthiness, 2) Flows--both cash and earnings, 3) Long-term outlook, 4) Salable assets which can be disposed of without compromising the going concern, dynamics, 5) Resource conversions such as changes in control, mergers and acquisitions, going private, and major changes in assets or in liabilities, and 6) Access to capital.Offers the security analysis value approach Martin Whitman has used successfully since 1986Details Whitman's unconventional approach to security analysis and offers information on the six key factors for appraising a companyContains the three most overemphasized factors used in conventional securities investingWritten by Martin J. Whitman and Fernando Diz, Modern Security Analysis meets the challenge of today's marketplace by taking into account changes to regulation, market structures, instruments, and the speed and volume of trading.
Monte Carlo Simulation and Finance
by Don L. McleishMonte Carlo methods have been used for decades in physics, engineering, statistics, and other fields. Monte Carlo Simulation and Finance explains the nuts and bolts of this essential technique used to value derivatives and other securities. Author and educator Don McLeish examines this fundamental process, and discusses important issues, including specialized problems in finance that Monte Carlo and Quasi-Monte Carlo methods can help solve and the different ways Monte Carlo methods can be improved upon.This state-of-the-art book on Monte Carlo simulation methods is ideal for finance professionals and students. Order your copy today.
Naked Forex
by Alex Nekritin Walter PetersA streamlined and highly effective approach to trading without indicatorsMost forex traders rely on technical analysis books written for stock, futures, and option traders. However, long before computers and calculators, traders were trading naked. Naked trading is the simplest (and oldest) trading method. It's simply trading without technical indicators, and that is exactly what this book is about.Traders who use standard technical indicators focus on the indicators. Traders using naked trading techniques focus on the price chart. Naked trading is a simple and superior way to trade and is suited to those traders looking to quickly achieve expertise with a trading method.Offers a simpler way for traders to make effective decisions using the price chartBased on coauthor Walter Peters method of trading and managing money almost exclusively without indicatorsCoauthor Alexander Nekritin is the CEO and President of TradersChoiceFX, one of the largest Forex introducing brokers in the worldNaked Forex teaches traders how to profit the simple naked way!
Next Generation Excel
by Isaac GottliebTake Excel to the next level in accounting and financial modelingIn this new Second Edition of Next Generation Excel, Isaac Gottlieb shows financial analysts how to harness the full power of Excel to move forward into the new world of accounting and finance. Companies of all sizes use financial models to analyze their finances and plan business operations, as well as to create financial accounting reports like balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows.While many businesspeople are quite familiar with the reports created with financial models, most are not as familiar with the creation of the models themselves. This book shows them how to build an accurate and effective financial model using the solid functionality and easy usability of Excel.Fully updated and revised to include support for Apple usersWritten by a professor of management and statistics who has taught the discipline for fifteen yearsAppropriate for professional financial analysts, as well as MBA studentsFor professionals and students whose responsibilities or studies include a full understanding of financial modeling, Next Generation Excel, Second Edition offers comprehensive training.
No-Hype Options Trading
by Kerry GivenA straightforward guide to successfully trading optionsOptions provide traders and investors with a wide range of strategies to lock in profits, reduce risk, generate income, or speculate on market direction. However, they are complex instruments and can be difficult to master if misunderstood.No-Hype Options Trading offers the straight truth on how to trade the options market. In it, author Kerry Given provides realistic strategies to consistently generate income every month, while debunking many myths about options trading that tend to lead retail traders astray. Along the way, he makes a conscious effort to avoid complex strategies that are appropriate only for market makers or professional traders, and instead focuses on low-risk strategies that can be easily implemented and managed by a part-time trader.Shows how you can use option spreads in conjunction with stocks to produce a regular stream of incomeEach chapter includes exercises to help you master the material presentedExamines how you can adjust option positions as market conditions change in order to maintain an optimal risk/reward profileWritten for anyone interested in successfully trading options, this reliable resource cuts through the hype and misinformation that surrounds options trading and presents a realistic path to profits.
Objectives and Key Results: Driving Focus, Alignment, and Engagement with OKRs
by Paul R. Niven Ben LamorteEverything you need to implement Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) effectively Objectives and Key Results is the first full-fledged reference guide on Objectives and Key Results, a critical thinking framework designed to help organizations create value through focus, alignment, and better communication. Written by two leading OKRs consultants and researchers, this book provides a one-stop resource for organizations looking to quantify qualitative goals and ensure each team focuses their efforts to make measureable progress on their most important goals. You'll learn how OKRs came to be and how leading companies use them every day to help teams and employees stretch their thinking about what's possible, build their goal-setting muscles and achieve results that reflect their full potential. From the basic framework to a detailed dissection of best practices, this informative guide walks you through real-world implementations to help you get the most out of OKRs. OKRs help employees work together, focus effort, and drive the organization forward. Key results are used to define what it means to achieve broad, qualitative goals, and imperatives like "do it better" are transformed into clear, measureable markers. From the framework's inception in the 1980s to its popularity in today's hyper-competitive environment, OKRs make work more engaging and feature frequent feedback cycles that enable workers to see the progress they make at work each and every day. This book shows you everything you need to know to implement OKRs effectively. Understand the basics of OKRs and their day-to-day use Learn how to gain the executive support critical to a successful implementation Maintain an effective program with key assessment tips Tailor the OKRs framework to your organization's needs Objectives and Key Results is your key resource for designing, planning, implementing, and maintaining your OKRs program for sustainable company-wide success.
Operational Risk Management
by Philippa X. GirlingA best practices guide to all of the elements of an effective operational risk frameworkWhile many organizations know how important operational risks are, they still continue to struggle with the best ways to identify and manage them. Organizations of all sizes and in all industries need best practices for identifying and managing key operational risks, if they intend on exceling in today's dynamic environment.Operational Risk Management fills this need by providing both the new and experienced operational risk professional with all of the tools and best practices needed to implement a successful operational risk framework. It also provides real-life examples of successful methods and tools you can use while facing the cultural challenges that are prevalent in this field.Contains informative post-mortems on some of the most notorious operational risk events of our timeExplores the future of operational risk in the current regulatory environmentWritten by a recognized global expert on operational riskAn effective operational risk framework is essential for today's organizations. This book will put you in a better position to develop one and use it to identify, assess, control, and mitigate any potential risks of this nature.
Operational Risk Toward Basel III
by Greg N. GregoriouThis book consists of chapters by contributors (well-known professors, practitioners, and consultants from large and well respected money management firms within this area) offering the latest research in the OpRisk area. The chapters highlight how operational risk helps firms survive and prosper by givingreaders the latest, cutting-edge techniques in OpRisk management. Topics discussed include: Basel Accord II, getting ready for the New Basel III, Extreme Value Theory, the new capital requirements and regulations in the banking sector in relation to financial reporting (including developing concepts such as OpRisk Insurance which wasn't a part of the Basel II framework). The book further discussed quantitative and qualitative aspects of OpRisk, as well as fraud and applications to the fund industry.
Opportunities in Emerging Markets
by Gordian GaetaThe practical guide to investing in emerging markets Though potentially risky, investing in emerging markets can offer extremely attractive returns. Opportunities in Emerging Markets offers practical advice for investors based on the real life experiences--both positive and negative--of practitioners, pioneer investors, and local heroes with experience in frontier markets. Exploring how every developing market has its own unique regional cultures and social structures that change the way investors invest, and must be understood in order to make wise investments, the book combines standard approaches to investing with the exigencies of frontier markets to create an invaluable framework for success. A collection of useful ideas that investors--institutions, general partners, limited partners, or shareholders--can draw upon when investing money in emerging markets, the book includes essential information on one of the most attractive opportunities for beating traditional markets and investments. If access, downside, and predictability can be managed, there's a great deal of money to be made in emerging markets, and this book shows how. Both investors and investment managers need to understand fundamental success factors, real framework conditions, and hidden pitfall and in Opportunities in Emerging Markets, author Gordian Gaeta analyses these intricacies in depth. Gives investors of all kinds the information they need to succeed in emerging markets Incorporates real life experiences--both good and bad--to help readers avoid common mistakes and maximize their returns Includes interviews with Mark Mobius, Jim Rogers, Marc Faber, and other leading names in the emerging markets sector For those traders brave enough to engage in high-risk/high-return investing, Opportunities in Emerging Markets is an excellent overview of the world's toughest frontier markets and how to conquer them. Featuring interviews with some of the top investors in the field, this is the definitive guide to the perils and pitfalls of investing in these highly volatile markets.
Optimizing and Assessing Information Technology
by K. Scott ProctorA valuable guide to making better IT decisions within businessOptimizing and Assessing Information Technology is designed to be both easy-to-use and immediately useful. Engaging and accessible, this book has been created to help you focus on improving business project execution through effective IT optimization and assessment. While it skillfully outlines a framework for optimizing and assessing IT, it does not get into specific technologies per se, given the rapid and increasing pace of technical change across the world today. Optimizing and Assessing Information Technology involves a step-by-step process whereby various aspects of IT are evaluated. In addition to the book itself, a companion website offers templates, checklists, and related materials for your reference and use. With this book as your guide, you'll be able to generate an accurate and reliable assessment of a company's IT operations and identify areas on which to focus to optimize IT. Topics such as "against what to assess operations" and "optimized as compared to what" will be addressed throughout the course of this reliable resource.Introduces the concept of the IT Pillars Model (IPM) for optimizing and assessing IT and examines where and how the IPM fits into the overall operations of a businessFilled with the author's experience of working across the field of IT in both small and large companiesOffers the most detailed, hands-on user's guide to the principles and practice of the IPM by examining each aspect of the IPM in the context of case studiesCovers the topic of tools and reporting, including analytical tools such as ROI, benchmarking, and metricsOptimizing and Assessing Information Technology provides valuable insights into this discipline, but the coverage of IT in this book extends beyond technology itself. It also covers various aspects of the people, processes, and technology components associated with IT as a whole.
Optimizing the Aging, Retirement, and Pensions Dilemma
by Marida Bertocchi Sandra L. Schwartz William T. ZiembaA straightforward guide focused on life cycle investing-namely aging, retirement, and pensionsLife cycle investing and the implications of aging, retirement, and pensions continues to grow in importance. With people living longer, the relative and absolute number of retirees is growing while the number of workers contributing to pension funds is declining.This reliable resource develops a detailed economic analysis-at the micro (individual) and macro (economy wide) levels-which addresses issues regarding the economics of an aging population. Topics touched upon include retirement and the associated health care funding of the aged as well as social security and the asset classes that are considered asset-liability choices over time.The probability of achieving adequate return patterns from various investment strategies and asset classes is reviewedShares rich insights on the aging, retirement, and pensions dilemmaAn assessment of the resources the real economy will be able to commit to non-workers is providedThe three pillars of retirement are social security, company pensions, and private savings. Each of these pillars is confronted with a variety of asset-liability problems, and this book will addresses them.
Option Pricing Models and Volatility Using Excel-VBA
by Fabrice D. Rouah Gregory VainbergPraise for Option Pricing Models & Volatility Using Excel-VBA"Excel is already a great pedagogical tool for teaching option valuation and risk management. But the VBA routines in this book elevate Excel to an industrial-strength financial engineering toolbox. I have no doubt that it will become hugely successful as a reference for option traders and risk managers."--Peter Christoffersen, Associate Professor of Finance, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University"This book is filled with methodology and techniques on how to implement option pricing and volatility models in VBA. The book takes an in-depth look into how to implement the Heston and Heston and Nandi models and includes an entire chapter on parameter estimation, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone interested in derivatives should have this book in their personal library."--Espen Gaarder Haug, option trader, philosopher, and author of Derivatives Models on Models"I am impressed. This is an important book because it is the first book to cover the modern generation of option models, including stochastic volatility and GARCH."--Steven L. Heston, Assistant Professor of Finance, R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Option Spread Trading
by Russell RhoadsA practical guide to unlocking the power of option spreads When dealing with option spreads your looking to purchase one option in conjunction with the sale of another option. If managed properly, these spreads can provide experienced investors with the potential for large returns without undertaking a great deal of risk. Option Spread Trading provides a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand explanation of option spreads, and shows you how to select the best spread strategy for any given market outlook. Along the way, author Russell Rhoads discusses spread strategies that can be used to profit from a strong up or down directional move in a stock, a stagnant market, or a highly volatile market. He also details how you can harness the leverage of options to create a low-risk position that provides the potential for a big profit. All manner of spreads are covered, from calendar and horizontal spreads to vertical and diagonal spreads Highlights how you can monitor and adjust an existing spread position and provides tips on how to exit a spread trade Includes exercises and examples to test and reinforce your knowledge of the concepts presented Option spread trading has become increasingly popular with active traders and investors. Gain a better understanding of this powerful approach with Option Spread Trading as your guide.
Options on Foreign Exchange
by David F. DerosaA comprehensive guide to the world's largest financial marketForeign exchange is the world's largest financial market and continues to grow at a rapid pace. As economies intertwine and currencies fluctuate there is hardly a corporate entity that doesn't need to use options on foreign exchange to hedge risk or increase returns. Moreover, currency options, both vanilla and exotic, are part of standard toolkit of professional portfolio managers and hedge funds.Written by a practitioner with real-world experience in this field, the Third Edition of Options on Foreign Exchange opens with a substantive discussion of the spot and forward foreign exchange market and the mechanics of trading currency options. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model as applied to currency options is also covered, along with an examination of currency futures options. Throughout the book, author David DeRosa addresses the essential elements of this discipline and prepares you for the various challenges you could face.Updates new developments in the foreign exchange markets, particularly regarding the volatility surfaceIncludes expanded coverage of the currency crises and capital controls, electronic trading, forward contracts, exotic options, and moreEmploys real-world terminology so you can a firm understanding of this dynamic marketplaceThe only way to truly succeed in today's foreign exchange market is by becoming more familiar with currency options. The Third Edition of Options on Foreign Exchange will help you achieve this goal and put you in better position to make more profitable decisions in this arena.
Patent Valuation
by William J. Murphy John L. Orcutt Paul C. RemusA practical resource for valuing patents that is accessible to the complete spectrum of decision makers in the patent processIn today's economy, patents tend to be the most important of the intellectual property (IP) assets. It is often the ability to create, manage, defend, and extract value from patents that can distinguish competitive success and significant wealth creation from competitive failure and economic waste. Patent Valuation enhances the utility and value of patents by providing IP managers, IP creators, attorneys, and government officials with a useable resource that allows them to use actual or implied valuations when making patent-related decisions.Involves a combination of techniques for describing patent valuationIncludes descriptions of various topics, illustrative cases, step-by-step valuation techniques, user-friendly procedures and checklists, and examplesServes as a useable resource that allows IP managers to use actual or implied valuations when making patent-related decisionsOne of the most fundamental premises of the book is that these valuation skills can be made accessible to each of the various decision makers in the patent process. Patent Valuation involves narrative descriptions of the various topics, illustrative cases, step-by-step valuation techniques, user-friendly procedures and checklists, and an abundance of examples to demonstrate the more complex concepts.
Pattern, Price and Time
by James A. HyerczykPraise for Pattern, Price & Time Second Edition"Jim's breadth of knowledge spans futures, Forex, stocks, Gann, charting, price patterns, and the list goes on and on. He is a valued contributor to the TraderPlanet.com community and this book further demonstrates his unwavering commitment to educating traders to help them become more successful." -Lane J. Mendelsohn, Publisher, TraderPlanet.com"James Hyerczyk provides an illuminating guide to the fascinating world of Gann Theory and the combined analysis of price, pattern, and time. This book is very interesting from both a historical and practical technical perspective."-Dan Blystone, Editor, TradersLog.com"I have known James Hyerczyk since 1991. I have always valued W. D. Gann's methods. Reading Jim's book, Pattern, Price & Time, Second Edition is a good way to get started in learning the concepts of Gann's methodology. I highly recommend this book." --Michael Popilchak, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Sweet Futures Division of Rosenthal Collins Group LLC "Hunting out good opportunities involves good tracking. Jim has taken his vast experience with Gann's proven technical analysis, to show the savvy investor the foot prints in the snow to find those successful trades. As the Chief Investment Officer of LaSalle St. Securities, I have found over the last thirty-five years that good technical analysis is invaluable."-Jay C. Carstensen, Chief Investment Officer, LaSalle St. Securities, LLC
Pension Finance
by M. Barton Waring Robert C. MertonPraise for PENSION FINANCE"Pension Finance is a comprehensive, integrated, and self-contained offering on the structure, management, and oversight of defined benefit pension plans, carefully composed by a prime observer and practitioner in the defined benefit pension world. . . an important and most needed contribution to defined benefit pension knowledge. Whether a prime academic researcher, experienced public policymaker, seasoned private-sector practitioner, or novice student of retirement finance, the reader is in for a treat: bon appetit!"-Robert C. Merton, MIT"This book is a major advance in the literature of pension finance, breaking much new ground in the market value approach to pension finance. Thorough and hard-hitting, Waring warns that many will consider his blunt views to be 'controversial' or even 'heretical.' But his approach sheds a much-needed bright light on the fundamental nature of pension liability. There are also many valuable suggestions about how to structure an asset portfolio that addresses these now more clearly defined liabilities, given a specific fund's risk tolerance, contingent reserves, back-up resources, and payment schedule."-Martin Leibowitz, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley"The value of Pension Finance is not in propounding any new or novel finance ideas, but in systematically explaining the guts of the actuarial process, and then restating the process in sound terms. After reading this book, those involved in the pension arena will understand the causes of the pension crisis and appreciate how easy the 'right answers' are once those causes are understood."-Frank Fabozzi, Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School and Editor, The Journal of Portfolio Management"Pension Finance is now the seminal work on the subject and should be required reading for policymakers, practitioners, and plan fiduciaries. Waring makes a compelling and persuasive case that the only way to ensure the long-term viability of defined benefit plans is to accurately measure the true costs and risks of providing the benefits and provisioning accordingly."-Bradley D. Belt, former Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and Senior Managing Director, Milken Institute"Pension Finance draws cross-disciplinary lessons learned the hard way to set in motion a much-needed overhaul of the U.S. defined benefit pension system. Waring's risk management approach will help guide corporate and public plan sponsors to better measure, pay for, and manage their pension assets and liabilities using modern financial principles. Chock-full of examples and sometimes sad lessons from the pension trenches, this book will set the terms of debate for corporate boards and public plan trustees, consultants and actuaries, unions and financial advisors, and most of all, policymakers seeking to return the U.S. retirement system to health." -Olivia S. Mitchell, Professor of Insurance & Risk Management/Business & Public Policy The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Pension Revolution
by Keith P. AmbachtsheerPraise for Pension Revolution"When Keith Ambachtsheer puts his keen mind to work on a problem, watch out! Here he exposes today's fragile arrangements for the most serious social dilemma of our times--financing retirement. Then he provides a compelling and powerful set of solutions. His writings are essential reading for all who care about the future of American living standards."--Peter Bernstein, founder and President, Peter L. Bernstein, Inc., and author of Capital Ideas and Against the Gods"This book describes one of the most ingenious inventions in the history of mankind: pension funds offering credible promises about old-age income. It reads like a thriller: how can well-governed pension funds be created in an imperfect world in which mortals wrestle with foibles and moral shortcomings? One of the world's leading experts on pensions searches for the answer--and finds it."--Lans Bovenberg, Scientific Director, Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging, and Retirement, Tilburg University, The Netherlands"Pension Revolution exposes the inadequacies of current pension systems and persuasively makes the case for the fundamental changes that are needed. It is essential reading for both the pension industry and policymakers."--Elizabeth Bryan, Chair, Investment Committee, Unisuper Management PM Ltd, Australia"Most analyses of complicated issues deal with complexity by simplifying or only looking at one piece-part, and, in doing so, provide limited value. In stark contrast, Keith Ambachtsheer boldly wades into the complexity in Pension Revolution to come up with a valuable integrative solution. He is a most welcome revolutionary!"--Roger Martin, Dean, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Canada"We have known Keith for over ten years, and consistently over that time, he has constructively and comprehensively challenged conventional wisdom. He has done this so effectively that many of his initial thoughts have now become universally accepted norms. Such is his energy however that he continues to push the boundaries of pension and investment thinking."--Peter Moon, Chief Investment Officer, Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd, UK"Pension Revolution not only explains the shortcomings of the existing pension system and the underlying design features that have resulted in the current pension upheaval. It also offers thoughtful and creative suggestions for prospective pension design. A must-read for anyone interested in the future of retirement finance."--James Poterba, Professor of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a member of the TIAA-CREF Board of Trustees
Pivots, Patterns, and Intraday Swing Trades
by M. William ScheierAn original approach to trend discovery and trade entryInitial forays into day trading stock index futures reveal a starkly different decision environment. There is no time to dwell on technical conditions. Intraday volatility in the stock indices is far more exaggerated than the daily bar charts of other markets, partly due to the extreme leverage, partly due to the intense attention. And positioning techniques that prove reliable in the action of the long-term trends in other instruments tend to fail in the countertrend reactions of the highly leveraged S&P futures contract within the short-term. For the informed trader, tremendous opportunities in these intraday trend swings can be captured. This book will show you how.Filled with detailed technical models, this reliable resource skillfully utilizes innovative methodologies for trend discovery and trade entry in mini-stock index futures markets. It offers a fresh approach to understanding and capitalizing on market volatility, allowing you to sort out the apparent chaos of the day trading environment through codified and recognizable trade entry setups.Highlights trading techniques that are anything but mechanical scalpingExplores conceptual event models and their accompanying rulesContains tools by which major intraday swing trends can be identified quickly and often at the very turning points where they beginExplains the underlying order and structure to the markets based on the repetitive nature of human behaviorEngaging and informative, this reliable resource will put you in a better position to excel in today's dynamic markets.