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.
Discover the ten key issues to achieving your financial goals and how to use them to realize your dream of financial independence From saving to purchase a first car, to putting kids through college to planning for retirement, to preserving your estate for your loved ones, our financial goals change from one stage of life to the next. While those goals and the challenges we face in achieving them may differ, all of them have certain things in common. Saving, budgeting, managing debt, minimizing taxes and living within your means. These are a few of the 10 Key Wealth Management Issues which come into play (to varying degrees) when working toward specific financial goals. But there's one goal for which success relies on all ten keys coming together in perfect harmony: financial independence, also known as «Point X.» No matter how you define it—whether it's a retirement income of $25,000 a year, or an estate worth $250 million—your future financial independence requires that you deal effectively with all ten key issues. And now this book shows you how to get it done, along with the guidance of a trusted advisor. Supplies you with a complete roadmap for arriving at «Point X,» financial independence with key milestones and important twists and turns clearly defined Identifies the 10 key wealth management issues and offers priceless advice and guidance on negotiating each on your road to financial independence Provides you with both success and failure stories so you can learn from others' real life experiences Provides you with tax planning facts and strategies within the wealth management issues that will show you how to minimize your most significant expense and at the same time maximize your savings on the road to your «Point X»
Debunks the myths of the traditional rules of presentations In today's commodity-based marketplace it is harder than ever to differentiate even the most superlative services and products. The sales presentation provides the most powerful opportunity to do so. Make It All About Them reveals the truth behind the traditional rules of presentations and offers sales professionals a new way forward. It explains why focusing on three key points trumps a presentation full of details, why plain English always wins over jargon, why the audience doesn't need to know how important you are but how important they are, and other effective tactics. Provides quick and useful concepts and tools to help salespeople break through the «we have always done it this way» mentality that is so prevalent in corporate America Author Nadine Keller is founding partner of Precision Sales Coaching & Training with more than twenty-five years of experience in sales and sales leadership coaching and consulting This unique approach will allow you to deliver a winning presentation every time by making it all about your audience.
The book aims to prioritise what needs mastering and presents the content in the most understandable, concise and pedagogical way illustrated by real market examples. Given the variety and the complexity of the materials the book covers, the author sorts through a vast array of topics in a subjective way, relying upon more than twenty years of experience as a market practitioner. The book only requires the reader to be knowledgeable in the basics of algebra and statistics. The Mathematical formulae are only fully proven when the proof brings some useful insight. These formulae are translated from algebra into plain English to aid understanding as the vast majority of practitioners involved in the financial markets are not required to compute or calculate prices or sensitivities themselves as they have access to data providers. Thus, the intention of this book is for the practitioner to gain a deeper understanding of these calculations, both for a safety reason – it is better to understand what is behind the data we manipulate – and secondly being able to appreciate the magnitude of the prices we are confronted with and being able to draft a rough calculation, aside of the market data. The author has avoided excessive formalism where possible. Formalism is securing the outputs of research, but may, in other circumstances, burden the understanding by non-mathematicians; an example of this case is in the chapter dedicated to the basis of stochastic calculus. The book is divided into two parts: First, the deterministic world, starting from the yield curve building and related calculations (spot rates, forward rates, discrete versus continuous compounding, etc.), and continuing with spot instruments valuation (short term rates, bonds, currencies and stocks) and forward instruments valuation (forward forex, FRAs and variants, swaps & futures); Second, the probabilistic world, starting with the basis of stochastic calculus and the alternative approach of ARMA to GARCH, and continuing with derivative pricing: options, second generation options, volatility, credit derivatives; This second part is completed by a chapter dedicated to market performance & risk measures, and a chapter widening the scope of quantitative models beyond the Gaussian hypothesis and evidencing the potential troubles linked to derivative pricing models.
How to harness your passion, develop your platform, and build a community of fans to sustain your micro-business If you dream of launching your own business, but aren't sure what that business should be, microDomination has the answer. This new book from entrepreneur and communications guru Trevor Young, shows you how to tap into your particular area of expertise and build a small business around what you know and love. No matter what particular subject you're knowledgeable in, from dog training to cooking to financial planning, microDomination shows you how to build a brand around yourself and turn that brand and expertise into profits even from the comfort of your own home. In the first part of the book, Young uses real-life examples to introduce you to the businesspeople—or «micro mavens»—who are living their dreams and earning money doing what they love. The second part of the book reveals the nuts-and-bolts strategies and tactics you can use to emulate their success and achieve your goal of «microdominating.» Includes inspirational case studies and practical advice on starting a micro-business based on your talent or expertise Features actionable guidance on using content marketing and social media to grow your brand and business Written by a leading thinker in the fields of public relations, marketing, and communications If you're stuck in a dead-end job or just dream of turning your hobby into a business, microDomination gives you a proven plan for turning your passion into prosperity.
Make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, pins, key chains, and more Want to make jewelry and gifts from scratch? This new edition of Jewelry Making & Beading For Dummies provides the easy-to-understand information that makes it easy. Updated information on getting started and setting up the necessities of a jewelry maker's workshop New innovative ideas for materials such as making beads from scratch, customizing components like glass pendants, and up-cycling found objects for new creations Updated trends including Victorian, Steampunk, Indian-inspired, and wrap bracelets Advice on how to gain project ideas through websites like Pinterest without infringing on someone's rights New and updated information on setting up a storefront, turning your hobby into a business, and gaining exposure through Etsy.com, blogs, and social media sites From attaching clasps to working with wire to stringing beads, the companion DVD features watch-and-learn episodes that show you step-by-step how to create one-of-a-kind designs using beads, glass, found objects, special mementos, and more With hundreds of detailed photos—now featured in full-color—Jewelry Making & Beading For Dummies is the ideal resource you'll turn to again and again to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and assorted gifts.
The fun and easy way to learn essential grammar rules, common usage errors, and other key concepts in the English language Understanding the rules of English is key to being an effective communicator—at work, at school, or anywhere else. If you struggle with the rules—and who hasn't?—English Grammar Essentials For Dummies, Australian Edition is the book for you. Covering just the basics you need, the book boils the rules of grammar down to the core concepts that will make you a better communicator in any and every aspect of your life. Ideal for students, job hunters, adult learners, those who speak English as a second language, and anyone who wants to make a good impression Covers the vital essentials needed for better written communication Serves as an excellent refresher course for professionals whose primary mode of communication is increasingly electronic and written Clear and understandable writing can be the key to success in almost any professional field. With English Grammar Essentials For Dummies, Australian Edition, you'll master the basics with ease!
Get the know-how to close a deal and make your quota—in a day! Closing a Sale In A Day For Dummies outlines the anatomy of a sales closing, offers strategies for asking the right questions, and gives you invaluable tips for overcoming tough customers. The anatomy of a close Questioning and listening strategies No frills closing techniques Overcoming tough customers This e-book also links to an online component at dummies.com that extends the topic into step-by-step tutorials and other «beyond the book» content.
A comprehensive guide to giving well to family members Giving is at the core of family life–and with current law allowing up to $5,120,000 in tax-free gifts, at least through December 2012, the ultra-affluent are faced with the task of giving at perhaps largest scale in history. Beyond the tax saving and wealth management implications, giving to family members opens up a slew of thorny questions, the biggest of which is, «How do I prepare recipients of such large gifts?» With that question and others in mind, Hughes, Massenzio, and Whitaker have written The Cycle of the Gift in three main parts: «The Who of Giving,» «The How of Giving,» and «The What and Why of Giving.» The first part focuses on the people most deeply involved in family giving, especially the recipients and givers (parents, grandparents, spouses, trustees). The second part, «The How of Giving,» addresses the delicate balance of givers who want to maintain some level of control and recipients who want some level of freedom in accepting and growing their gifts. The final part, «The What and Why of Giving» describes various types of gifts, from money to business interests to values and rituals. The authors also introduce their «family bank» concept as a model that combines loans, trusts, and outright gifts. It embodies a framework and set of practices for long-term family growth. Even families without great wealth–or those who have already made large gifts to their children and grandchilren–can benefit from the human wisdom and practical advice found in The Cycle of the Gift.
Take Excel to the next level in accounting and financial modeling In 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 users Written by a professor of management and statistics who has taught the discipline for fifteen years Appropriate for professional financial analysts, as well as MBA students For professionals and students whose responsibilities or studies include a full understanding of financial modeling, Next Generation Excel, Second Edition offers comprehensive training.