Derivative-security

This is a superb book, get it if you are interested in the world of derivatives. As the title suggests, however, this is a *managerial* intro to the world of the world's "most powerful financial intruments" and will be excellent introduction for MBA students. COntains some excellent examples from this world as well (great to know this if you are going to interview).

If you want something a lot more numerical and yet friendly, I'd suggest "The Complete Guide to Option Pricing Formulas by Espen Gaarder Haug" to go alongside this book - thats a classic as well. If you want to see the Black-Scholes model in operation, check out http://erudition.com/derivatives/. Good luck.

I found Arditti's writing to be simply attrocious. What the marketplace needs is a clear, concise guide to instrument structure and valuation, and Mr. Arditti writes in circles. As an example, his chapter on option pricing refers to "using the methods used previously in this chapter" without referring to how to apply these to the method just introduced. The method just introduced was explained using numbers that were presumably fabricated, but lord only knows, because the author can't be bothered to specify how his example was structured.

In trying to explain things simply, the author fails to explain anything clearly. "Derivatives" is an extreme disappointment. As a reference, this book may have some use, but if you're looking to learn something from it, stear clear.

This book is an excellent resource for beginning and intermediate level fund managers who want to understand the derivatives to be able to use them in risk hedging and income maximization.

The book is excellently organized in four sections and each section is self sufficient. Each of the sections begin with basics, illustrates the concepts with example, introduces the mathematics of pricing and methodology of hedginag of risks

Every section has also a nice subsection on terminology and definitions.

The book is an excellent attempt to explain a highly technical and complex subject.The section on Interest Rate swaps is outstanding. A must read for all corporate money managers and a must addition to all financial libraries.

I am completely satisfied with this book. He knows how to design derivatives and make them work. This book does a remarkable job of explaining the theory and practice of derivative securities.

Barry Schachter does a wonderful job of compiling the pros and cons of the complex derivative market.

This book is complete with real world data on trading activities, the usage of derivatives, and the possible systemic risk associated with these practices.

I enjoyed this books straight forward and easy to understand format which made it simple to evaluate the issues facing our complex banking system.

This book could easily have gotten a five star review from me if it wasn't for my one and only complaint.

My only complaint has to do with the date of publication, not with any of the information (or lack of information) presented in this book.

I am curious how the author would view more recent issues including the possible clasped of several major Japanese banks, Enron, and the current crisis in Argentina.

KC

A good book for looking at recent derivs controversy and related regulatory topics. Probably among the best, certainly in this price range. Highly recommended.