Derivatives: A Guide to Alternative Investments

A guide to understanding the complex derivatives market, by the acclaimed author of After the Trade is Made

In today€s highly charged and rapidly changing financial climate, derivatives are dominating global headlines. It is essential for financial professionals to have a strong grasp of the products, practices, and regulatory agencies associated with the complex derivatives market in order to keep up.

In this book, financial expert David Weiss introduces readers to the basic concept of a derivative and offers a thorough examination of the many derivative products. Breaking down a complex market into its basic parts, he systematically explains the structure, usage, and value aspect of all the products constituting the derivatives universe, including:

• Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
• Asset-Backed Securities (ABS)
• Exchange-Traded Funds
• Currency Rates
• Swaps
• Options
• Futures
• Forwards

For each of these types of derivatives, Weiss introduces the players in the market, outlines the mechanics of trading, and explains the role of regulation and oversight in the process.

Written for portfolio managers, brokers, financial planners, and institutional investors, this book is an indispensable tool for today€s investor and will leave readers better equipped to understand one of finance€s most complex arenas.