Mathematics for Finance: An Introduction to Financial Engineering (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Mathematics for Finance: A useful tool for the unskillled investor
  • Incoherent
  • Insufficient and disappointing. Not even a good introductury text.
  • Great Book for Undergrad Quants
  • Joining the chorus
Mathematics for Finance: An Introduction to Financial Engineering (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series)
Marek Capinski , and Tomasz Zastawniak
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Principles of Financial Engineering (Academic Press Advanced Finance) Principles of Financial Engineering (Academic Press Advanced Finance)
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  3. Introduction to the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives Introduction to the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
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  5. Financial Calculus : An Introduction to Derivative Pricing Financial Calculus : An Introduction to Derivative Pricing

Accessories:
  1. Interest Rate Models - Theory and Practice: With Smile, Inflation and Credit (Springer Finance) Interest Rate Models - Theory and Practice: With Smile, Inflation and Credit (Springer Finance)
  2. Monte Carlo Methods in Financial Engineering (Stochastic Modelling and Applied Probability) Monte Carlo Methods in Financial Engineering (Stochastic Modelling and Applied Probability)

ASIN: 1852333308

Book Description

Designed to form the basis of an undergraduate course in mathematical finance, this book builds on mathematical models of bond and stock prices and covers three major areas of mathematical finance that all have an enormous impact on the way modern financial markets operate, namely: Black-Scholes’ arbitrage pricing of options and other derivative securities; Markowitz portfolio optimization theory and the Capital Asset Pricing Model; and interest rates and their term structure. Assuming only a basic knowledge of probability and calculus, it covers the material in a mathematically rigorous and complete way at a level accessible to second or third year undergraduate students. The text is interspersed with a multitude of worked examples and exercises, so it is ideal for self-study and suitable not only for students of mathematics, but also students of business management, finance and economics, and anyone with an interest in finance who needs to understand the underlying theory.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Mathematics for Finance: A useful tool for the unskillled investor.......2007-03-19

I enjoyed reading the book and solving exercises in it. I have a Ph.D.in chemistry and my wife and I did our his and her's MBA in the 1990s. I wanted to learn more concepts in finance and needed an easy entry, something I could enjoy, and without spending much money. The book by Capinski came recommended from a friend who teaches Economics at Cal State. I can speak for myself: I feel reasonably informed and I feel the book gave me concepts I can use to handle my own portfolio.

In the future, this text should be offered with an interactive CD that contains Xls, matrix, calculus, and graphing capabilities so one (I) can visualize the outcomes of proposed solutions.

1 out of 5 stars Incoherent.......2007-01-18

Anyone can scribble a bunch of equations on paper and call it a book. Without sufficient context, they are useless.

2 out of 5 stars Insufficient and disappointing. Not even a good introductury text........2006-05-15

As a graduate student in Financial Engineering I have found this book useless.
The title of the book is "Mathematics for Finance", but can you find in it even an elementary introduction to the stochastic processes? No. Ditto for the Ito's lemma and many other topics. The derivation of the Black Scholes formula is just sketched, and the insight that you can get from it is very limited.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't mind these limitations if this book provided a clear introduction to more advanced topics: unfortunately this book is not good even in that. In comparison to other textbooks the theorems and definitions are convoluted and do not go straight to the point. For example, in Shreve's "Stochastic Calculus for Finance" or Baxter & Rennie "Financial Calculus" the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing is stated in this way: "In a market with risk neutral probability there is no arbitrage". Can you find such a simple and explanatory definition in Capinski's book? Not at all. The theorem at page 83 (you can see it yourself by searching inside the book) basically says the same thing using 8 lines of text and little financial intuition.
The only good thing that I can say about this book is that all exercises are resolved.
Overall, "Mathematics for Finance" has been a big disappointment: it doesn't have either the mathematical depth of Shreve's books or the conciseness in explaining financial concepts of Baxter & Rennie.
Whatever is the level of education that you are pursuing, graduate or undergraduate, I don't see any point in using it.

4 out of 5 stars Great Book for Undergrad Quants.......2005-08-29

Mathematics for Finance (An Introduction to Financial Engineering) is a book intended for undergrad students "IN MATHEMATICS" or other discipline with a relative high mathematical content.

The book assumes some basic notion of Calculus and Probability Theory and it is focused more on the mathematics than in its theory and application of Finance. If you are looking to dwell into the mathematics (Proof of Equations) this is a great book, but if you are looking for a book that is rich in theory and in application then you should consider "Option, Future and Other Derivatives" or "Quantitative Methods for Finance" as an alternative. Both books are "a most" for any finance student and are of great help. Now if you want an introduction into the mathematics behind Finance then this book is a perfect purchase.

Important to state that all the problems presented in this book are solved meaning that it is great for self teaching. Marek Capinsi and Thomas Zastawniak have done a great job on this book.

I gave it four stars, because it has room for impovement.

5 out of 5 stars Joining the chorus.......2005-08-03

I can only echo the other reviewers. As far as I can tell this book has no serious competition. This is an excellent introduction to mathematical finance for those with a solid undergraduate level understanding of higher math but without graduate level exposure. I agree that it is ideal for self study as that is exactly what I am using it for. The price is right especially in contrast with its overpriced brethren. Five stars!
Introduction to the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Detailed but Comprehensible
  • Good Companion Book
  • Good book
  • Very thoughtful and clear explanation of financial math
  • sophisticated maths
Introduction to the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
Salih N. Neftci
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0125153929

Book Description

This popular text, publishing Spring 1999 in its Second Edition, introduces the mathematics underlying the pricing of derivatives. The increase of interest in dynamic pricing models stems from their applicability to practical situations: with the freeing of exchange, interest rates, and capital controls, the market for derivative products has matured and pricing models have become more accurate. Professor Neftci's book answers the need for a resource targeting professionals, Ph.D. students, and advanced MBA students who are specifically interested in these financial products. The Second Edition is designed to make the book the main text in first year masters and Ph.D. programs for certain courses, and will continue to be an important manual for market professionals.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Detailed but Comprehensible.......2007-10-14

This booke really helped me understand topics for a class I was taking. After reading it i almost felt like i understood change of measure and numeraire. one of the few books i'd recommend buying.

5 out of 5 stars Good Companion Book.......2007-08-29

good companion book for the other book "Principles of Financial Engineering" by the same author
Clear and easy to understand treatment. The author does not assume a high level of math knowledge of the reader.

4 out of 5 stars Good book.......2007-05-09

As title states this is a good Introduction to the mathematics of derivatives.
If you're looking for some book with C/C++/C#/Java code samples this isn't the book. Indeed a good mathematical introduction; its pre-requirements are a good mathematical and statistical ones.

5 out of 5 stars Very thoughtful and clear explanation of financial math.......2007-02-05

I turn to this book after I get frustrated with Tomas Bojork's book "Arbitrage Theory in Continuous Time." As I am not from a strict math background, this Neftci's book makes much more sense to me. What I particularly like about this book is explanation in plain English of why the mathematical formulae are so, and how they are connected to the bigger picture. Also Neftci has a good grasp of how many real-life examples included in this book so that it doesn't lose its focus on the real math in finance.

4 out of 5 stars sophisticated maths.......2006-06-16

Neftci takes us on a mathematically sophisticated tour of financial derivatives. The treatment is on a level akin to a senior-level undergrad text on physics or engineering. Indeed, to a reader who might come from that background, there will be a lot of similarities and familiar ideas.

For example, partial differential equations arise naturally in the pricing of derivative assets. But unlike many places in physics, here it is not sufficient to assume smoothly varying variables. The inherently discrete nature of most financial variables means that derivatives have to be approximated numerically.

Neftci also describes the various types of options, like basket, knock-out, multi-asset and so on. Each has a slightly different modelling. Another key idea involves the time aspect of pricing. So Wiener processes naturally arise, and the text shows how to handle these.

Much more is covered in the book. Perhaps just as importantly, it gives you enough maths preparation that you should be able to analyse other new types of financial instruments. Maybe even ones that you create yourself.
The Mathematics of Financial Derivatives: A Student Introduction
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not bad... but there is better out there
  • Good Buy
  • Okay but not an introduction
  • Introduction to partial differential equations in finance
  • A good introduction to the PDE approach
The Mathematics of Financial Derivatives: A Student Introduction
Paul Wilmott , Sam Howison , and Jeff Dewynne
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521497892

Book Description

Finance is one of the fastest growing areas in the modern banking and corporate world. This, together with the sophistication of modern financial products, provides a rapidly growing impetus for new mathematical models and modern mathematical methods. Indeed, the area is an expanding source for novel and relevant "real-world" mathematics. In this book, the authors describe the modeling of financial derivative products from an applied mathematician's viewpoint, from modeling to analysis to elementary computation. The authors present a unified approach to modeling derivative products as partial differential equations, using numerical solutions where appropriate. The authors assume some mathematical background, but provide clear explanations for material beyond elementary calculus, probability, and algebra. This volume will become the standard introduction for advanced undergraduate students to this exciting new field.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not bad... but there is better out there.......2007-10-23

A per its title, this is an applied mathematics book, and therefore a minimal level of math is expected from the reader. Taking a PDE approach, the book aims at presenting various methods for pricing financial options. While the first few chapters are pretty good at skimming the surface of the theory and laying down the key principles of options pricing, I find that in general, the book lacks depth. Many results (prices of barrier, lookback, asian, etc...) are simply given without real development (or simply with a little of "hand-waving") while the section on the linearity complementarity problem for the American Option is quite muddled... The book does not provide any new insight into the more difficult areas of option pricing and in that sense, simply goes through the typical presentation without adding much value.

It is nonetheless an acceptable and quick overview if you are looking for a refresher of key concepts. If you are looking for a thorough mathematical introduction to options pricing, You-Lan Zhu's book (for example) does a much better job at covering the PDE approach much more rigorously (proving for example some of the convergence criterias for the finite difference method, covering the linear complementarity approach in much more details as well as presenting other numerical techniques) without being overly formal.

5 out of 5 stars Good Buy.......2007-08-29

maps one to one with many chapters in Hull. more elaborate derivations than Hull. Fixed income area treatment is very slim though. Good Buy for the Price.

3 out of 5 stars Okay but not an introduction.......2006-07-31

If you want an introduction, read another book like Hull. If you want to learn how to apply Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) approach to finance then it is a useful book. However, it is better to read an elementary PDEs book before reading this book. At least, learn how to solve parabolic PDEs analytically because the technical notes in the book would not help much.

4 out of 5 stars Introduction to partial differential equations in finance.......2005-10-13

This book treats only the partial differential equations
in Finance and how to treat them using Finite Differences
and Tree. For this purpose it is very well written and
understandable. A very good beginning for student. Even
undergraduate.

Now after reading it you should understand the martingales reading the baxter and how to implement Monte Carlo using, for example Glasserman (see my reviews)

5 out of 5 stars A good introduction to the PDE approach.......2005-10-10

Contrary to what many readers believe, this book explains the pricing of derivatives much better than Hull. Hull gives an overview of the mechanics and properties of the derivative pricing industry, along with its pricing methodologies, and this book provides an in depth method to one of the pricing methods.

Financial derivatives can be priced by a wide range of methodologies, among some the elegant equivalent martingale measure approach (or risk-neutral pricing), replication, multinomial tree approximation, Monte Carlo simulation, partial differential equations etc etc.

This book gives an excellent introduction, and an insight to the PDE approach. Although being a big fan of the Girsanov-change-of-measure method myself, these analytical methods often fail in the valuation of highly complex derivatives like the exotics. Pricing americans prove to be hard and inefficient too, even with simulation and the risk-neutral approach.

This is where PDE methods come in. Since most derivatives (or term structures) have a PDE describing its evolution, solving the PDE seems to be a good (or sometimes the best) way, no matter how complex the derivative can get. PDEs on the other hand, have very robust and easy methods for solving. Therefore, this book brings the reader through basic PDE solving methods, analytical solutions, techniques for fast and efficient numerical approximations as well as rigorous technical explanations for some of the mathematics of partial differential equations (which arise in the financial industry).

The authors are famous for their research in the field of Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and this book continues to be a classic for undergraduates in mathematics in Oxford. If you want to have an overview of the pde approach to option valuation, without the hassle of learning up Radon-Nikodým and martingales, I highly recommend this book!


Derivatives: An Introduction
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Derivatives by Robert A. Strong
  • Poorly Written especially for a beginner
Derivatives: An Introduction
Robert A. Strong
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0324273029

Book Description

Bob Strong's practical, applied approach, and his ability to explain the intuition underlying the math, makes this text the first truly accessible, yet comprehensive, derivatives book.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Derivatives by Robert A. Strong.......2007-07-29

This is a really good book for those who have no background in equity derivatives. It explains in a very concise and understandable layman's terms. Thank goodness for this book. It was recommended from my class instructor.

1 out of 5 stars Poorly Written especially for a beginner.......2006-07-21

I am using this book for a financial derivatives class and it is very poorly written especially for someone new to derivatives.

** The book does not have complete definitions, explanations on topics or clear examples:
I have had to buy a couple of other books to understand some of the concepts he talks about. Either he will just define and let you figure out on your own why a trader might use that particular strategy or give you some information but no example of how it would work in real life.

** He jumps all over the place:
I found it difficult to understand some of the concepts as either he would abruptly stop talking on a topic and start on something else or mix things which I feel do not make a whole lot of sense. My classmates feel that he just collected a lot of material from other books or online and chopped and slashed the material till he reached some size. (maybe his publisher/editor told him there is a word limit ;) ).

** The questions in the back of the chapter are either not clear or not easily solvable(cannot be answered from the material in the chapter or deriving it from the material in the chapter)
I have had to spent time at CBOE, wikipedia and other websites to understand what he talking about and to answer the questions. (Had to do it for class)

After reading 6 chapters and spending countless hours trying to answer the questions at the end of the chapters, I feel that I have not gained anything from this book other than a list of topics to search google on.

Just to clarify, I am used to books on complex topics (3rd Masters) but have not seen a more confusing book.
Interest Rate Models: An Introduction
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An excellent book!!!
Interest Rate Models: An Introduction
Andrew J. G. Cairns
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691118949

Book Description

The field of financial mathematics has developed tremendously over the past thirty years, and the underlying models that have taken shape in interest rate markets and bond markets, being much richer in structure than equity-derivative models, are particularly fascinating and complex. This book introduces the tools required for the arbitrage-free modelling of the dynamics of these markets. Andrew Cairns addresses not only seminal works but also modern developments. Refreshingly broad in scope, covering numerical methods, credit risk, and descriptive models, and with an approachable sequence of opening chapters, Interest Rate Models will make readers--be they graduate students, academics, or practitioners--confident enough to develop their own interest rate models or to price nonstandard derivatives using existing models.

The mathematical chapters begin with the simple binomial model that introduces many core ideas. But the main chapters work their way systematically through all of the main developments in continuous-time interest rate modelling. The book describes fully the broad range of approaches to interest rate modelling: short-rate models, no-arbitrage models, the Heath-Jarrow-Morton framework, multifactor models, forward measures, positive-interest models, and market models. Later chapters cover some related topics, including numerical methods, credit risk, and model calibration. Significantly, the book develops the martingale approach to bond pricing in detail, concentrating on risk-neutral pricing, before later exploring recent advances in interest rate modelling where different pricing measures are important.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An excellent book!!!.......2004-03-29

This book provides an excellent reference and point of view of old and new topics in the interest rate modelling field.

From short rate models, HJM model, multifactor models, positive interest models and market models, it gives you a very well explanation all without forget the calibration of them.

You can not find many books about this topic. This one gives a clear and easy to follow chapters in order to increase your knowledge of this not easy field. The formality is a key point in all the book.
An Introduction to Derivatives and Risk Management (with Stock-Trak Coupon)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Read Hull
  • A Great Introduction for under or MBA
  • A Must Have
  • Excellent book for concepts
  • An excellent books for Derivatives concepts.
An Introduction to Derivatives and Risk Management (with Stock-Trak Coupon)
Don M. Chance , and Roberts Brooks
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

FinanceFinance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books | Banks & Banking | Corporate Finance | Foreign Exchange | Inflation | Interest
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Accessories:
  1. Solutions Review Manual for Chance's An Introduction to Derivatives and Risk Management, 7th Solutions Review Manual for Chance's An Introduction to Derivatives and Risk Management, 7th

ASIN: 0324321392

Book Description

You'll find detailed but flexible coverage of options, futures, forwards, swaps, and risk management as well as a solid introduction to pricing, trading, and strategy in AN INTRODUCTION TO DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT. A collection of figures illustrate links between puts, calls, stocks, risk-free bonds, futures, options, forwards, Black-Scholes call/put pricing, etc. Included with your purchase is a StockTrack Coupon.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Read Hull.......2006-06-29

I dislike Don Chance both as a person and as a writer. I find him arrogant and intolerable and that bleeds through into his writing. So, yes, I am biased.
I highly recommend instead that you seek out John Hull, a much better author, he has two books; one for undergrad and another for grad (which is the 'bible' on this subject).

5 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction for under or MBA.......2004-11-27

Dr. Chance did a excellent job in carefully introducing the concept and outline of derivatives markets to students with basic business school training. I used the 4th edition in my undergraduate course couple years ago, and built up a solid conceptual understanding in this field. The newest version still keep its pleasant style and contain some thing more about risk management.
This book offers the best introduction to undergraduate business school students or MBA student who need not to work with financial derivatives much.
But for those non-business students wants get into mathematical finance industry, to buy a book only for concept intro may not a economy choice. Refer this book if you find the first half in Hull's "Option, futures and other derivatives" not clear enough.

5 out of 5 stars A Must Have.......2003-08-09

If you are a student just taken up a course in derivatives or risk management you should have this book. if you find john hull more technical, you have Don Chance who covers options and other derivatives in a greater detail and in more words. everything you want to know about how banks etc have risk mangaement systems in place and market risk instruments is here.

in case you want a greater coverage of options and pricing options, you should definatly take a look at Black Scholes and Beyond by Neil Chriss, a work of art.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book for concepts.......2003-05-09

This is an excellent book for non finance majors who would like to grasp the physical concepts behind different derivatives products traded in the OTC markets. The book is ideal for a preperation read for all aspiring to take Financial Engineering / Derivatives as majors in graduate programs.

5 out of 5 stars An excellent books for Derivatives concepts........2003-05-08

If you are interested in the basic concepts governing derivatives without getting into the mathematics of it then this is the ideal book. I recommend this book for any one who is contemplating taking Derivatives as an advanced level course. The book would give a solid foundation to the concepts of risk management.
An Introduction to Financial Option Valuation: Mathematics, Stochastics and Computation
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Highly recommended - a joy to read . . .
  • A good hands-on intro to option valuation
An Introduction to Financial Option Valuation: Mathematics, Stochastics and Computation
Desmond Higham
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521547571

Book Description

This book is intended for use in a rigorous introductory PhD level course in econometrics, or in a field course in econometric theory. It covers the measure-theoretical foundation of probability theory, the multivariate normal distribution with its application to classical linear regression analysis, various laws of large numbers, central limit theorems and related results for independent random variables as well as for stationary time series, with applications to asymptotic inference of M-estimators, and maximum likelihood theory. Some chapters have their own appendices containing the more advanced topics and/or difficult proofs. Moreover, there are three appendices with material that is supposed to be known. Appendix I contains a comprehensive review of linear algebra, including all the proofs. Appendix II reviews a variety of mathematical topics and concepts that are used throughout the main text, and Appendix III reviews complex analysis. Therefore, this book is uniquely self-contained.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Highly recommended - a joy to read . . ........2005-01-07

If you are looking for an introduction to financial option valuation that is well-written and well-referenced than this book is for you. Prof. Higham is an excellent author (I highly recommend his other books Learning LaTeX and MATLAB Guide) and so anything he writes is a joy to read. His latest book is no exception. It is full of figures that help bring the equations and the ideas to life. Like many of his technical papers (which I also recommend you read - they are available at his website), he has incorporated MATLAB (a powerful matrix manipulation and numerical simulation tool) codes throughout the book (not only does he provide code listings but you can actually download the codes and run them assuming you own the software or have a license - I have!). The codes are a great way to see the equations in practice if you don't have MATLAB and experiment with some of the key parameters yourself if you do. Regarding the subject of the book itself, let me say that I am in the mechanical engineering field and can barely balance my checkbook - ok, my wife does it for me) but I am interested in all things mathematical and find the subject of option valuation (and the possibility of making some extra money) enticing. The book clearly introduces topics related to random numbers and stochastics, as well as finite-difference approximations for partial differential equations. The ultimate goal is the Black-Scholes PDE which is treated in the later half of the book. Monte Carlo simulation techniques as applied to finance are covered as well in several chapters. What I really enjoy about this book (and his other books) is the way he actually tries to teach and advise the reader - a good writer must be sensitive to his/her audience - and this is most appreciated by myself and others I am sure. The bottomline is that this is the first book to own if you want to get into the field of computational finance (his references tell you where to go next). I highly recommend it.

4 out of 5 stars A good hands-on intro to option valuation.......2004-12-05

There are a lot of derivatives books out there - most of them follow the same approach. This one's different: no complicated measure-theoretic probability theory (of absolutely no use to practitioners), but lots of hands-on Matlab examples. A very reasonable price too. My only suggestion to the author would be to provide more appropriate names to his Matlab functions (instead of chapter numbers) - but this can easily be changed by the reader.
Quantitative Methods in Derivatives Pricing: An Introduction to Computational Finance
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Computational finance: Tavella
  • The proof is in the reading!
  • Excellent Reference for Computational Finance
  • Excellent resource
  • A book for the mathematically inclined
Quantitative Methods in Derivatives Pricing: An Introduction to Computational Finance
Domingo Tavella
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471394475

Book Description

This book presents a cogent description of the main methodologies used in derivatives pricing. Starting with a summary of the elements of Stochastic Calculus, Quantitative Methods in Derivatives Pricing develops the fundamental tools of financial engineering, such as scenario generation, simulation for European instruments, simulation for American instruments, and finite differences in an intuitive and practical manner, with an abundance of practical examples and case studies. Intended primarily as an introductory graduate textbook in computational finance, this book will also serve as a reference for practitioners seeking basic information on alternative pricing methodologies.

Domingo Tavella is President of Octanti Associates, a consulting firm in risk management and financial systems design. He is the founder and chief editor of the Journal of Computational Finance and has pioneered the application of advanced numerical techniques in pricing and risk analysis in the financial and insurance industries. Tavella coauthored Pricing Financial Instruments: The Finite Difference Method. He holds a PhD in aeronautical engineering from Stanford University and an MBA in finance from the University of California at Berkeley.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Computational finance: Tavella.......2005-03-27

Badly written/errors/typos all over.

Reviews/praise (on back cover) are meaningless & misleading.


5 out of 5 stars The proof is in the reading!.......2002-08-14

Over 100 students in Berkeley's Master's in Financial Engineering Program have so far successfully mastered state-of-the-art derivatives pricing using the material in this textbook. In "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" test, this book earns an A+.

John O'Brien, Executive Director MFE Program, U.C. Berkeley

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for Computational Finance.......2002-08-09

This is an excellent introduction book on computational finance. It covers Monte Carlo simulation for pricing and scenario generations and finite difference methods very well. I really like the part on Monte Carlo simulation with various variance reduction techniques such as Brownian Bridge.

The author not only presents the methodologies, but he also tells the readers their limitations. This book is also a good resource for basics of stochastic processes most commonly needed in practice. I think the book is beneficial both to practitioners and students who really wants to consider financial engineering as a career.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource.......2002-08-06

Whether you're a practitioner or a student, this text is great. It is succinctly written, covering everything from fundamental theories then leading into practical applications. While it is not for the mentally flaccid, if your sharp enough, you'll find it very useful.

2 out of 5 stars A book for the mathematically inclined.......2002-07-15

The book covers pricing of derivatives and the underlying computational methods. This broad range of topics covers aspects like stochastic calculus, risk neutral pricing and computational methods. The communication of this broad range of topics is a challenge and the book might be fine tuned to better teach the reader besides the intuition of the methods, the detailed implementation. It is suitable for people with a very strong mathematics and programming background, but is a tough read if one wants to learn these subjects. In order to become a good how -to book, the examples provided need to be expanded and ideally worked out in a more detailed fashion. One great add on might be to have a disk with sample code, that shows how the different methods work and how to implement them.

Positive is:
- Good section on stochastic calculus
- Good introduction to risk free pricing

Areas for improvement
- Expand examples
- Better quality check to avoid typos, that are especially annoying in formulas
- If this book is to be used as a textbook or for self study, practice examples with solutions would be great, as the reader can then work through these to internalize the material and in addition check if he has fully understood the material

Overall I can only recommend the book to people with strong liking of a mathematical treatment of a subject, strong programming skills and little need for detailed examples. It does not go into sufficient detail on how to implement the different simulation strategies into code (provides only "pseudo code") to teach the computational aspects.
A Course in Derivative Securities: Introduction to Theory and Computation (Springer Finance)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Most Practical Financial Engineering textbook
A Course in Derivative Securities: Introduction to Theory and Computation (Springer Finance)
Kerry Back
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:
  1. Game Theory: Decisions, Interaction and Evolution (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) Game Theory: Decisions, Interaction and Evolution (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series)
  2. Advances in Dynamic Game Theory: Numerical Methods, Algorithms, and Applications to Ecology and Economics (Annals of the International Society of Dynamic Games) Advances in Dynamic Game Theory: Numerical Methods, Algorithms, and Applications to Ecology and Economics (Annals of the International Society of Dynamic Games)

ASIN: 3540253734

Book Description

This book aims at a middle ground between the introductory books on derivative securities and those that provide advanced mathematical treatments. It is written for mathematically capable students who have not necessarily had prior exposure to probability theory, stochastic calculus, or computer programming. It provides derivations of pricing and hedging formulas (using the probabilistic change of numeraire technique) for standard options, exchange options, options on forwards and futures, quanto options, exotic options, caps, floors and swaptions, as well as VBA code implementing the formulas. It also contains an introduction to Monte Carlo, binomial models, and finite-difference methods.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Most Practical Financial Engineering textbook.......2006-02-14

Dr Kerry Back in my opinion wrote one the best if not the best practical book in financial Derivatives. In such a crowded field where books are published at an exponential rate; finding a practical book is often a challenge especially since many of them repeat the same information over and over. The best feature of this textbook lies in the problems at the end of chapters. The problems are well chosen and very practical and require the use of VBA/Excel. This book does not get involved with complicated math as so many books in financial engineering do. I am doing a Phd degree in math, I deal with abstract mathematics on a daily basis so am looking for a textbook that will provide a good intuition to the concept of Derivative Securities without sacrificing too much Mathematical rigor. In this regard Dr Kerry Back did a very good job, the book requires only an understanding of non-measure probability theory, calculus, linear algebra and differential equations making it accessible to MBA students and undergraduates as well. I strongly recommend this book to math majors who want a textbook that explain Financial Derivatives well. I also recommend Stochastic Calculus for Finance II by Shreve for readers who want a measure theoric and PDE approcah to Financial Derivatives.
An Introduction to Derivatives & Risk Management
Average customer rating: Not rated
    An Introduction to Derivatives & Risk Management

    Manufacturer: Thomson; South Western
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    Similar Items:
    1. Risk Takers: Uses and Abuses of Financial Derivatives (Addison-Wesley Series in Finance) Risk Takers: Uses and Abuses of Financial Derivatives (Addison-Wesley Series in Finance)

    ASIN: 0324380186

    Product Description

    Book Description A market leader, this book has detailed but flexible coverage of options, futures, forwards, swaps, and risk management ? as well as a solid introduction to pricing, trading, and strategy allowing readers to gain valuable information on a wide range of topics and apply to situations they may face.

    Books:

    1. Mathematics for Finance: An Introduction to Financial Engineering (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series)
    2. Mathematics for Finance: An Introduction to Financial Engineering (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series)
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    7. Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition)
    8. Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition)
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