| Papers [1-16] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "HEDGE FUNDS FINANCIAL MARKETS": |
|
|
Hedge Funds and Financial Markets, 2007.
An analysis of the role of hedge funds in the financial markets and an explanation of their importance as clients of investment banks.
2,105 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper outlines the main characteristics of hedge funds and looks at how these differ from traditional investment funds. There are over a dozen investment techniques used in hedge fund industry in order to make returns. The paper describes four of them: opportunistic, market neutral - securities hedging, global macro and value investment style. The great size of the assets under management of the hedge fund suggests that they are important clients of investment banks and can play a significant role in the financial markets. The paper also takes a closer look at how investment banks work with hedge funds and what impact the hedge funds have on the overall stability of the financial markets.
Outline:
Introduction
An Overview of Hedge Funds, Comparison to Traditional Funds and Their Importance as Clients of Investment Banks
Recent Expansion of Hedge Funds
Hedge Funds and Financial Stability
Some Risks Associated With Hedge Funds
Regulation of Hedge Funds
Hedge Funds' Investment Styles
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The definition of a hedge fund is an investment institution, which actively manages its portfolio using a large number of strategies and leverage in order to produce high returns, which are measured in absolute terms and/or over a specified benchmark, such as FTSE100 in the UK or the DOW30 in the US. Hedge funds are similar to the traditional investment funds in that they are both pooled and professionally managed, however, there is a number of differences. Unlike traditional funds HFs are practically unregulated and have the flexibility in their trading and investment strategies, e.g. go short when markets are bearish or when a manager thinks that an asset is overpriced and is due a correction (source: Investopedia)."
| |
|
Marketing Hedge Funds in Europe, 2001.
This paper discusses the idea and obstacles about marketing hedge funds in Europe.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the history of pooled monetary funds. It discusses the difficulties experienced throughout recent history to get this concept publicly accepted but how, now, this is a very popular institution. It examines one example of this concept - Hedge funds, and the difficulties faced in marketing this concept in Europe.
From the paper:
"The idea of pooling money together for the purpose of investing started in Europe in the mid-1800s. The first pooled fund in the United States was created in 1893 for the faculty and staff of Harvard University. On March 21, 1924, the first mutual fund was started in the United States. It was called the Massachusetts Investor?s Trust. It grew from $50,000 in assets in 1924 to $392,000 one year later with approximately 200 shareholders. Today there are over 10000 in mutual funds in the US today totaling around $7 trillion dollars with approximately 83 million investors, according to Dustin Woodard at About.com."
| |
|
Hedge Funds, 2004.
This paper discusses hedge funds, featuring the launch and collapse of one of the first hedge funds, Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM).
1,930 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 89.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that hedge funds, large private investment pools that are not limited by the restrictions put on other types of investment vehicles, are allowed to take short positions in securities and to concentrate their investments in a particular firm, industry or sector. The author points out that, in the case of LTCM, the basic idea was hedging: over time, the value of long-dated bonds issued a short time apart would tend to become identical, and by a series of financial transactions (essentially amounting to buying the cheaper 'off-the-run' bond and short-selling the more expensive, but more liquid, 'on-the-run' bond), it would be possible to make a profit as the difference in the value of the bonds narrowed when a new bond came on the run. The paper concludes that there is no way to hedge away all the risk, especially when tough economic times materialize; therefore, a solid capital base must be a requirement in order to weather negative economic conditions, and hedge funds must be regulated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background of LTCM
The Collapse of LTCM
Results of the Collapse of LTCM
The Future of LTCM and Hedge Funds
Conclusion
From the Paper
"With regard to leverage, the LTCM Fund?s balance sheet on August 31, 1998, included over $125 billion in assets. But, even using the more generous January 1, 1998, equity capital figure of $4.8 billion, this level of assets still implied a balance-sheet leverage ratio of more than
25-to-1. The extent of this leverage implied a great deal of risk. The LTCM Fund?s exposure to certain market risks was several times greater than that of the trading portfolios typically held by major dealer firms. The LTCM Fund?s size and leverage, as well as the trading strategies that it used, made it extraordinary vulnerable to a down turn in financial market conditions."
| |
|
Hedge Funds, 2008.
This paper discusses hedge funds and the regulation of insider trading.
1,769 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 84.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explains the concept of hedge funds and describes their legal structure, fee structure and classification. The paper discusses how, before the regulation of hedge funds, managers could bypass laws related to insider trading and use practices that would not be tolerable in other investment arenas. The paper looks at the "Goldstein vs. Securities and Exchange Commission" (SEC) case and its outcome that has improved the regulatory framework of the SEC.
Outline:
Introduction: What Is a Hedge Fund?
Legal and Fee Structure of Hedge Funds - Platform for Insider Trading
Regulating Hedge Funds
From the Paper
"The original concept of a hedge fund is that it offer plays against the market, using short-selling, futures and other derivative products. Hedge funds provide one of the most diversified market activities within investment strategies since it can use a myriad of financial instruments and positions to reduce risk and maximize gains . Hedge funds minimize risk and the volatility of that risk via strategic diversification by selling long or short, buying and selling securities, engaging in opportunities on the futures or bond market. The development of a hedge fund was based on getting an absolute return in all directions. In practice this means that hedge fund managers seek seed freedom to achieve high absolute returns and wish to be rewarded for their performance."
| |
|
Modeling Strategies for Financial Hedging, 2008.
An examination of GARCH or generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity, which is a modeling technique that allows researchers to predict for financial variances.
962 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The predominance of existing research related to hedging strategies relative to the futures markets is typically concerned with agricultural, foreign exchange (forex), and petroleum products. This paper attempts to offer some insight relative to the mathematical modeling techniques which financial hedging strategists employ in order to be successful at mitigating risk. The paper explains that modeling volatility within the financial markets has not received a great deal of academic attention. The paper then looks at how Siddique and Harvey, in "Auto regressive Conditional Skewness" undertook a study of auto regressive conditional skewness which utilized GARCH techniques wherein they concluded that auto regressive models might be successful at modeling time-series variations relative to asset pricing such as stock returns but not necessarily for futures and related hedging strategies. The paper shows that researchers successfully applied the GARCH model to daily returns volatility of two separate futures markets in commodities. The paper concludes that these researchers proved that every hedging entity can adapt these models to develop a functional model that can accurately incorporate intervention related to exchange rate fluctuations into a futures volatility model that works to effectively hedge each entity's particular needs and constraints.
Outline:
Abstract
Garch Modeling
Durban-Watson
Omega Function in Modelling
From the Paper
"Predicting, managing, and leveraging the uncertainty in futures market is however vital if a comprehensive market strategy is going to be developed that enables an entity to efficiently control, or at least manage, the cost-basis of its investments or operating expenses. GARCH techniques can be used to construct models that control, to some degree, conditional variances related to futures as well as spot market prices and allow better management of financial or commodities portfolios."
| |
|
International Mutual Funds, 2004.
This paper discusses investing in various international mutual funds, describes individual funds, and compares international funds to mutual funds in the U.S.
4,925 words (approx. 19.7 pages), 14 sources, MLA, AU$ 183.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that there are four types of international mutual funds: The international funds, which invest only in well-known markets outside the U.S. such as Germany, France, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia; the global funds, which contain mixtures of U.S. and international stocks; the regional funds, which concentrate in geographic areas like Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe, with the concentration of these firms in small countries and emerging markets; and the country funds, which concentrate only on one country. The author points out that international funds are useful when it is felt that the U.S. market is not doing so well, and the emerging markets in the foreign countries are expected to perform better than the U.S. market. The paper relates that an important feature of international funds is that they give small investors an opportunity to invest in shares all over the world, an activity that would be very difficult or expensive to pursue on their own and that provides a good opportunity for diversification.
Table of Contents
Mutual Funds, the Dynamic Market
What is a Mutual Fund?
The Choice of International Funds
How Does One Know What the Fund is Doing?
From the Paper
"The aim of any mutual fund is to pool in the money from different investors and put it in a position where it can be managed by professionals. The manager makes the trades, realizes the gain or loss, and collects the income in the form of dividend or interest. The gains or losses are then passed on to the individual investors. The operation of most funds are open-ended, and that means that the investment company is at liberty to issue new shares to investors, and also undertakes to buy back shares from investors who want to leave the fund. There are also close ended funs which issue a fixed number of shares, and only these can be bought or sold by the investors among themselves through a stock exchange. The person who has issued these closed funds is not responsible for redeeming them, so the trading of these has to be only through a broker."
| |
|
Financial Aid for International Students, 2007.
This paper explores the financial aid and funding for international students at private vs. public colleges in the United States
3,131 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 133.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explores the financial aid and funding similarities and differences for international students. The paper examines whether there are federal funding restrictions and looks at what some institutions have done in order to overcome these restrictions. The paper contends that the United States colleges and institutions must strategically plan for marketing recruitment and retention of international students. The paper shows the difficulties faced by international students and asserts that they are assets of the United States and should be treated as such with government policy and educational policy working in coherent cooperation.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The work of Altbach entitled: "The Coming Crisis in International Education in the United States" relates that in order to keep pace with the global world "American universities will need to be international institutions." (nd) Information concerning financial aid, specifically for international students states, at least on one website, that education in the United States is "very expensive" since each year the cost for tuition, room and board will be approximately $15,000 to $40,000 a year in an undergraduate institution varying in relation to the specific school one attends."
| |
|
Financial Management at Citibank, 2004.
A description of Citibank's financial practices.
3,130 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 133.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper attempts to analyse the budgeting practices at Citibank with respect to activity based costing, performance measurement and key performance indicators. Recommendations are also provided.
Outline
Introduction to Financial Management
Introduction to Citigroup
How Citigroup handles Financial Management
Activity Based Costing and Activity Based Management
Stages of Activity Based Costing in Citibank
Identification of main cost
Activity Based Budget System
Introduction to Budgeting
How Citigroup handles Budgeting
Evaluation/ Critical Evaluation of the system
Financial Indicators & Non-Financial Indicators
What is Financial Indicator/Non-Financial Indicator
Usage of Financial Indicator/Non-Financial Indicator within Citigroup
Evaluation of Financial Indicator/Non-Financial Indicator
Suggestions of improvement
Sources of Finance and Working Capital
Main sources of Finance within Citigroup
Influences on working capital within Citigroup
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Budgeting is used to assist in strategic planning. Strategic or long-range planning requires the specification of objectives towards which future operations should be directed. The search for better methods of allocating and controlling the expenditure of funds has always been very important to managers. With corporations realizing decreasing revenues and governments confronted by huge deficits, budgeting is more difficult than ever. The old methods no longer are suitable for Citibank. The newest forms of budgeting are Zero-based Budgeting (ZBB) and Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB)."
| |
|
The Financial Services Industry and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), 2008.
A thesis analyzing the impact of voice over Internet (VoIP) protocol in the financial services industry.
19,660 words (approx. 78.6 pages), 21 sources, APA, AU$ 364.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the adoption of voice over Internet (VoIP) protocol in each segment of the financial services industry, specifically focusing on the adoption practices in small, mid-size and large financial services firms. The author points out how companies at each strata of the financial services market change their processes to take advantage of the customer-centric, financial operations and services aspects of having VoIP-based systems in their organizations. The paper researches questions about the adoption of VoIP and its relationship to customer loyalty, the modification of quoting, ordering and payment systems using VoIP, the return on investment (ROI) and how well the customers of financial services firms are adopting VoIP-based applications. Includes several color graphs, figures and illustrations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Executive Summary
Context of the Problem
Problem Statement
Specific Research Questions
Study Significance and Contribution to This Field
Research Design and Methodology
Phase I: Exploratory Research with Industry Experts using Experience Interviews Phase II: Early Adopter Research
Primary and Secondary Sources of Information
Organization of the Study
Literature Review
Summary
Factors Driving Financial Services' Technology Adoption
Financial Services Technology Needs Assessment
Defining the Financial Value Chain (FVC) and the role of VoIP
VoIP Market Dynamics in Financial Services
Applications Are the Agents of Change in VoIP Financial Services
Introducing the VoIP-Enabled Enterprise
Consensus of Industry Analysts on VoIP in Financial Services
VoIP within Financial Services: A Study of Transitions
Grant Thornton Case Study
Selection Criteria and Evaluation for VoIP System
Deployment at Grant Thornton
Results of the VoIP Implementation
Defining Voice over Internet Protocol
How does VoIP Work?
Step 1: Voice to Digital Data Transformation
Setp 2: Digital Data to IP Transformation
Step 3: Transmission
Step 4: IP Packet to Digital Data Transformation
Step 4: IP packet to Digital Data Transformation
Step 5: Digital Voice to Analog Voice Transformation
The Critical Role of VoIP Standards
A Critical Success Factor in Financial Services in Security over VoIP
Threats to VoIP
Confidentiality
ARP floods
VoIP Influence on Customer Loyalty
Executive Summary
Touch-Tone Interactive Voice Recognition
Automated Speech Recognition
Web Self-Service Sites
Analysts'\ Recommendations for Creating Value-Added Services Based on VoIP
Analysts' Recommendations for Launching Self-Service Channels Based on VoIP
Summary
From the Paper
"Applications are the integration point between technology and business processes, and the growth of VoIP-based applications specifically in the areas of financial services and the growth of online banking, online investing and the many services financial institutions are working to deliver over the Internet.
"In a world of circuit switched networks (the foundation of PSTN Service), telephony has always been about access and security. The role of security in circuit switched networks is one that is highly matured, trusted, and relied on by even the most resistant-to-change financial institutions."
| |
|
Financial System of Hong Kong, 2002.
Examines the history of Hong Kong as a financial center and its financial system.
3,900 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 208.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper traces the development of Hong Kong as a financial center and examines the Hong Kong financial sector after the handover to China.
| |
|
Financial Statements for Insurance Companies, 2006.
A look at Financial Accounting Standard 115, adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the problems it will create.
2,248 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 101.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper describes the increased difficulties in understanding the financial statements of insurance companies that will occur as a result of Financial Accounting Standard 115 (FAS 115) adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The paper explains that FAS 115 will create wide variations between companies in the carrying values used for debt securities which will necessitate even more analysis to determine a company's financial condition as well as make it impossible to compare companies' financial positions without restating each company's debt-security portfolio values to a common basis.
From the Paper
"Higher equity levels created by having debt securities carried at market will be misleading to financial statement users. Hardly anyone believes that a company can fully retain the security gains that currently exist in their portfolios. To do so would require curtailing crediting rates to those available based on current rates on new money. Competitive pressures won't allow companies to do this and retain their policyholder funds. To reflect such gains as equity of the company in the financials is just plain misleading."
| |
|
Financial Derivatives.
This paper discusses three forms of financial derivatives: Interest rate, currency and asset swaps.
1,780 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 84.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the swaps, or contracts for differences, defined as synthetic securities involving combinations of two or more basic building blocks, are one of several financial derivatives used either to hedge different financial risks, such as interest rate risks or currency/foreign exchange risks or to obtain financial gains when they are used as speculative instruments. The author points out that the main characteristic of financial derivatives is the fact that they all work on imperfections of the financial markets; swaps are obviously either a speculating or an arbitrage instrument, much like forwards, futures or options. The paper relates that a swap agreement is beneficial to both parties when there is a split preference for fixed or floating, induced either by the necessities of the organization or the risk management policies that the company adopts.
Table of Contents
Interest Rate Swaps
Currency Swaps
Asset Swaps
From the Paper
"The figure above best explains a classical swap mechanism . Bank A has a AAA credit rating, while Bank B has a BBB credit rating. This means that Bank B will have a higher fixed rate loan and company II will prefer to loan by using variable or floating rates. These are generally reported to LIBOR and can be, in this case, LIBOR + 0.75 %. Company I will make fixed-rate loans from the AAA bank at a fixed rate of 10 %. The general idea is that bank A will make floating- rate payments to bank B, and, B will make fixed- rate payments to A. The rates that the swap bank uses enter the calculations as well."
| |
|
Financial & Management Accounting, 1986.
Concepts & applications of recording financial activities & discovering data relationships to enhance decision making process. Looks at balance sheet, flow of funds, inflation, inventory value, costs and input-output analysis.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 26 sources, AU$ 197.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
" It is the purpose of this research to examine the concepts and applications of both financial and management accounting. Financial accounting is concerned with recording the actual financial activities of an organization, while managerial accounting is concerned with the discovery of the relationships in the financial data will enhance the managerial decision-making process. Garrison (1982, p. 13) has identified eight factors and characteristics which differentiate between financial and managerial accounting:
1. Managerial accounting focuses on providing data for the internal use of an organizations managers, while financial accounting focuses on providing data for external uses by investors and creditors."
| |
|
The Future of Financial Reporting, 2008.
This paper explores the development of a conceptual framework for financial reporting and accounting by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
1,734 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 19 sources, MLA, AU$ 82.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explores if the proposed conceptual framework for financial reporting and accounting covers the main facets of the original framework of both the FASB and the IASB and whether the purpose of financial reporting is omitting a vital element. The paper further examines whether the decision-useful objective necessarily encompasses the stewardship objective. The paper concludes that it is necessary to have separate objectives related to stewardship and decision-usefulness.
Outline:
Introduction
Financial Reporting that is 'Decision-Usefulness'
Stewardship Objective
Should the Stewardship Objective be Included Separately?
From the Paper
"The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have decided to revise their conceptual frameworks for financial reporting and accounting. Ideally, the present framework of both boards will be broader and expansive so as to develop a conceptual framework, which both Boards can use as an outline for new and revised accounting standards. This amalgamation is very important since markets become more international in scope, there is a need for global accounting standards that are consistent irrespective of the geographical boundaries. Also, 'there was a need to provide direction and structure to financial accounting and reporting' (Penman 2006)."
| |
|
Financial Ratio Analysis of Lowes and Home Depot, 2004.
An exploration of the different financial ratios used to determine profitability and financial stability of a company.
2,644 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 116.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper focuses on two large retailers in the area of retail home improvements, Lowes and Home Depot, and compares and contrasts their financial ratios in a five-year trend table along with the most recent industry averages. The information presented in this report can be used to help determine the over-all financial status of these two companies.
Financial Ratios Used
Home Depot
Lowes
Efficiency Ratio Analysis
Liquidity Ratio Analysis
Leverage Analysis
Profitability Analysis
From the Paper
"The inventory turnover ratio shows how many times per year a business can turn-over its inventory. In other words, this number represents how many times the business sells out of its inventory in a given year. This ratio is calculated by taking the cost of goods sold and dividing it by the average amount of inventory the business carries. Notice that these ratios are determined by the cost of goods sold because the inventory figures are carried on the boots at cost, not the price the merchandise will eventually sell for (Brealey, pg. 142). When comparing Lowe's and Home Depot to the industry average, we see that both companies' ratios were 5.0 for the year 2003 and the industry average was 4.8. This means that for the year 2003, both Lowe's and Home Depot were able to turn over their inventory a bit faster than the industry as a whole. "
| |
|
Financial Planning: An Intricate Profession, 2002.
A look at the challenges facing those in the financial planning profession due to recent changes in the financial markets.
1,925 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
An examination of the changes facing the financial planner and advisor in his/her profession. The paper looks at changes in the financial markets and trends of investments to show how the relatively simple job of previous decades has transformed into a very challenging one. The writer presents four suggested steps that the financial planner should follow for forecasting solid investments.
From the Paper
"Financial planning was an easy route to wealth and success during the 1980s and the latter part of the 1990s. The stock market was riding high, the new wave of high tech stocks posted significant and uncharted gains and investment capital flowed through the American economy freely. In today?s economy, however, the financial planning profession is much more of a challenge and a grind. It can be equally rewarding and fulfilling, but it requires more preparation and understanding of the complex markets and of planners? ethical and professional responsibilities to their clients."
|
|
|
