Financial Products: An Introduction Using Mathematics and Excel

by Bill Dalton

Overview

Financial Products provides a step-by-step guide to some of the most important ideas in financial mathematics. It describes and explains interest rates, discounting, arbitrage, risk neutral probabilities, forward contracts, futures, bonds, FRA and swaps. It shows how to construct both elementary and complex (Libor) zero curves. Options are described, illustrated and then priced using the Black Scholes formula and binomial trees. Finally, there is a chapter describing default probabilities, credit ratings and credit derivatives (CDS, TRS, CSO and CDO). An important feature of the book is that it explains this range of concepts and techniques in a way that can be understood by those with only a basic understanding of algebra. Many of the calculations are illustrated using Excel spreadsheets, as are some of the more complex algebraic processes. This accessible approach makes it an ideal introduction to financial products for undergraduates and those studying for professional financial qualifications.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521682220
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/02/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	406
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Bill Dalton was Head of the Mathematics Department at Harrow School, 1978–98. He retired in 2006 and now writes and lectures part-time in financial mathematics.

Table of Contents

Introduction; An introduction to Excel; 1. A foundation; 2. Forward contracts; 3. The futures market; 4. Bonds; 5. The forward rate, forward rate agreements, swaps, caps and floors; 6. Options; 7. Option pricing; 8. Credit derivatives; Solutions; Index.