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Derivatives
Credit default swaps? They're complicated -- and scary! The receipt you get when you pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey? Not so much. But they have a lot in common: They're both derivatives. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Hostile takeovers
We all know what a takeover is. That's when one company agrees to be bought by another. But what happens when companies don't agree and the takeover goes hostile? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Derivatives
Credit default swaps? They're complicated -- and scary! The receipt you get when you pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey? Not so much. But they have a lot in common: They're both derivatives. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Bonds, notes and bills
So much government debt! But what's the difference between the Treasury's bills, notes and bonds? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Inflation
Most economists agree that inflation of about 2% or 3% annually is a natural function of a growing economy. But people are worried government stimulus measures could spark much higher inflation. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains
High-frequency trading
High-frequency trading is creating a ruckus on Wall Street. Marketplace Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what high-frequency trading is and why some people are up in arms about it.
Factoring
Many small businesses get the cash they need to operate and expand from so-called factors. One of the biggest factors in the business is CIT, and with CIT on the ropes, small businesses are worried. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what factoring is, and how it works.
Financial alchemy
Many asset-backed securities have been downgraded from AAA recently. But at least one issuer has miraculously repackaged a downgraded deal to make some of its bonds worth a AAA rating again. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Where's the toxic waste?
Banks are paying back TARP money and claiming they're the picture of health. So what happened to all those toxic assets that were clogging their arteries a few months back? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
Dark pools
Dark pools are exchanges where people trade stocks anonymously. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains how they work, and why the SEC is considering regulating them.
The 'repo' market
Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains why the repurchase (or repo) market is a vital part of the financial system, and why the government is considering changes to it.
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Comments
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From san jose, CA, 11/06/2009
Carry trade in currency is a big phenomenon I am hearing from experts where the money is going with the falling dollar. Could you pls explain the carry trade in currency
From Philadelphia, PA, 10/24/2009
Paddy,
Can you please explain the need for both the Treasuruy AND the Federal Reserve
From Princeton, NJ, 10/22/2009
Paddy should talk more about structured finance and CDO's.
From Saint Louis, MO, 10/21/2009
@Josh..."The S&P500 is not an exchange for trading derivatives!? It's an index of large-cap stocks."
I'm sure Paddy just had a slip up. Everyone is human, friend.
@Nancy...
The best way by far to download these and other podcasts would be to download iTunes, then download whichever podcast from the iTunes store. All the APM podcasts are free by the way.
From bloomfield, MI, 10/20/2009
Paddy
Very well thought out and lucid presentation on derivatives.
However, I believe you missed the point on CDF’s.
You described the futures market quite well.
It is my understanding that CDF’s are insurance on someone (like GM or Ireland) defaulting on their bonds.
Unfortunately one doesn’t have to own the underlying security to get a CDF on it. It is like me buying insurance on your house.
Pretty scarry.
Regards,
Don
From Cambridge, MA, 10/16/2009
The S&P500 is not an exchange for trading derivatives!? It's an index of large-cap stocks.
From Cornwall, NY, 10/16/2009
Dear Paddy,
Your video on derivatives is fantastic..a wonderful learning tool!Is there a way I can save it to watch,(only for my own personal use)at my leisure? Thank you! Best wishes, Nancy R. Lewit
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