Most research on option hedging has compared the performance of delta hedges derived from different stochastic volatility models with Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) deltas, and in particular with the `implied BSM’ model in which an option’s delta is based on its own market implied volatility....

Robert Merton opened a new chapter in finance with his two papers (Merton, 1969; Merton, 1971), reprinted in his book (Merton, 1992), on dynamic asset allocation. Aside from taking a decisive step away from Markowitz-style single-period models, these papers made the key link with stochastic control...

AbstractThe following sections are included:The January effectCommodity trading: investing in the January small cap effect in the index futures marketsConclusion

AbstractAs I write on Sunday November 22, 2010, this I am watching the TV analysts discuss this controversial decision on Sunday, November 15. They are all ex-National Football League star players with an announcer. Their analysis is seat of the pants. But is that the right way to analyze...

AbstractThe following sections are included:Types of sovereign fundsIs there a common asset allocation for pension funds?Sovereign Pension funds and International Capital MarketsGovernance Issues of public pension fundsIntergenerational borrowingRegional TrendsAsiaMiddle EastEuropeConclusion

AbstractWe know that on average the typical mutual fund does not beat the market. The evidence is that professional managers all over the world have a hard time beating the market averages. In a given year, only about 25% to 40% of managers actually beat a buy-and-hold strategy of holding the...

AbstractThe following sections are included:Predictive Ability of the Bond-Stock Earnings Yield Difference Model

AbstractThe following sections are included:Societe GeneraleWhat is a subprime loan and why have they caused so much trouble in so many places?CMO, CDO trouble continuedWho will bail out the aling banks and financial institutions?US$ declineWhat is Warren Buffett thinking and doing?Summary

In this chapter, we consider the situation of an investor who manages a portfolio of assets partly funded by an external liability. This is the typical case for banks, insurance companies and hedge funds. Asset and liabilitymanagement (ALM) problems have generated a substantial literature and a...

AbstractThe following sections are included:Credit markets and financial institutionsEquity marketsChinese role in global trade