Derivatives Essentials: An Introduction to Forwards, Futures, Options and Swaps

A clear, practical guide to working effectively with derivative securities products

Derivatives Essentials is an accessible, yet detailed guide to derivative securities. With an emphasis on mechanisms over formulas, this book promotes a greater understanding of the topic in a straightforward manner, using plain-English explanations. Mathematics are included, but the focus is on comprehension and the issues that matter most to practitioners--including the rights and obligations, terms and conventions, opportunities and exposures, trading, motivation, sensitivities, pricing, and valuation of each product. Coverage includes forwards, futures, options, swaps, and related products and trading strategies, with practical examples that demonstrate each concept in action. The companion website provides Excel files that illustrate pricing, valuation, sensitivities, and strategies discussed in the book, and practice and assessment questions for each chapter allow you to reinforce your learning and gauge the depth of your understanding.

Derivative securities are a complex topic with many "moving parts," but practitioners must possess a full working knowledge of these products to use them effectively. This book promotes a truly internalized understanding rather than rote memorization or strict quantitation, with clear explanations and true-to-life examples.

• Understand the concepts behind derivative securities
• Delve into the nature, pricing, and offset of sensitivities
• Learn how different products are priced and valued
• Examine trading strategies and practical examples for each product

Pricing and valuation is important, but understanding the fundamental nature of each product is critical--it gives you the power to wield them more effectively, and exploit their natural behaviors to achieve both short- and long-term market goals. Derivatives Essentials provides the clarity and practical perspective you need to master the effective use of derivative securities products.

ARON GOTTESMAN is professor of finance and the chair of the department of finance and economics at the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. He teaches courses on derivative securities, financial markets, and asset management, and presents corporate workshops on derivative securities to bulge bracket financial institutions.