Tuesday, June 12, 2012

MATLAB Finance for Fixed Income / Credit Risk (Analysis and Data Cleaning)/ Passive smart ETF

Financial Applications of MATLAB 



Our course on MATLAB


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In this post I am going to talk about how to use MATLAB for Financial Risk Management. Also for Fixed Income in general. There is a big file of fixed income of 500 pages which MATLAB has provided.

Areas to look at in Finance to start with are:
  1. For those who have not done Programming before the logical flow like For statement becomes the first Hurdle.
  2. Regression using MATLAB.
  3. Symbolic computations.
  4. Making Chart: Polyval(c,x) to make the long elements that can be then used for making chart.
  5. Different way to make different type of matrix, like equal, incremental etc.
  6. Matrix division vs Element by element division.
Program 1: Consider writing a user-defined function that searches a matrix input argument for the element with the largest value and returns the indices of that element.

Book Review: MATLAB Basics and Beyond: This book has lot of graphic and graphics and data type forms the heart of stuff that are done.

Book Review: MATLAB Primer

FRM Level 2 terms in MATLAB Stat toolbox:
  • Copula
  • Modelling Tail Data with the Generalized Pareto Distribution.
  • Modelling Data with the Generalized Extreme Value Distribution.
  • Bayesian Analysis for a Logistic Regression Model.
  • Weibull distribution.

Data Cleaning and management with MATLAB:
  1. Playing with Array & Matrix.
  2. Errors and data cleaning Excel.
  3. Programs you have made on VBA.
  4. Old programs in MATLAB (questions on that).
  5. Movement and arrays of data.
  6. Time series analysis in MATLAB.
  7. Types of array / matrix / data types / vector arrays etc.
  8. Reducing and selecting of Matrix.
  9. Looping for data handing in Excel.
  10. Reading Data from SQL Database and linking the system (advanced and out of scope), MATLAB Database toolbox.
  11. Interpretation and Control.
  12. Trading MATLAB and importance of Visualization.
  13. Commodity trading in MATLAB.
  14. SAS vs MATLAB for Intermediary display.
  15. CDS MATLAB / VAR 99% VAR 1 day, this is interesting probability of default as well, bond valuation in MATLAB using some data.
  16. Loops for Array.
  17. CDS in MATLAB, article of Markit.
  18. Query Builder SQL Array.
  19. Struct http://www.mathworks.in/help/techdoc/ref/struct.html.

There was array handing, and how to manage data for Quant Finance...

Preparing data for final analysis for: Algo trading & VAR computations

Five area of MATLAB you need to master:
  1. StatisticalToolbox
  2. Symbolic computation toolbox
  3. Fixed income
  4. Econometrics (Monte Carlo)
  5. Derivatives
Generic Knowledge about the industry needed:
  • Data -- Inter-phasing -- Output
  • Spreads changing
  • Bank Rating Consumer
  • Shorting CDS
  • Causes and Role of Goldman on Greece Crisis


Interesting areas in MATLAB Finance where I am researching solutions are:
  1. Data management or data cleaning or data optimization skills used in MATLAB.
  2. Loop for data correction like addressing blank or data types management.
  3. Optimizing data for time series.
Three job profiles:
  1. Bond spreads, CDS, fixed income etc (M).
  2. VAR, PoD, bond portfolio, companies bond, trading data and VAR for that, etc (G).
  3. Data cleaning for Time series, other data cleaning and optimizations (E).

References:
http://www.mathworks.in/help/techdoc/ref/struct.html
http://www.mathworks.in/help/techdoc/ref/size.html
http://www.mathworks.in/help/techdoc/ref/f16-42340.html
http://www.mathworks.in/products/matlab/demos.html?file=/products/demos/shipping/matlab/nddemo.html



MATLAB for Finance by qcfinance.in

This article will talk about various applications in MATLAB for finance. We have taken in real time issues in the recent months and discussed how we can simulate some on them on MATLAB.

MATLAB can be learned and used for all of the following purposes:
  1. Old work ppt: Reliability, HPC, simulink etc.
  2. Data cleaning, data modifications, data arrays, struct, rating matrix, selection of elements from rating matrix, banks internal rating and pod computations, post that you made.
  3. Matlab for game theory.
  4. For fixed income Bond pricing, CDS, and other leveraged fixed income tools on MATLAB.
  5. Matlab for distributions and monte carlo.
  6. Data handing from sql and other parameters for MATLAB.
  7. MATLAB HPC toolbox to be used for various other options.
  8. Neural network in Finance.
There were few articles I found on MATLAB Credit Risk and there were many more on their website:
http://www.mathworks.in/products/finance/

Conclusion
  • MATLAB Credit Risk : Credit Risk Modeling Using Excel and VBA is a good book to look out for excel based modeling which then can be taken into MATLAB (link was on the references of the above articles)
  • As far as the comparison goes, R vs MATLAB, MATLAB is much easier and the only reason people do R in west is because R is free and MATLAB is very expensive.
  • As per my knowledge R and SAS are not so much user friendly, although when it comes to hardcore data handling SAS is much much better. MATLAB is good for easier applications.
Quantitative Analysis & Fixed Income Research:
  1. Back-testing of investment strategies.
  2. Credit risk modelling using KMV approach (Merton Model), there is a tool of Moodies, and also work on Municipal bonds (question in interivews).
  3. Monte-Carlo simulation.
  4. Portfolio optimization and asset allocation.
  5. Statistical modelling, variance-covariance modelling, value at risk modelling, regular risk reporting (hot spot reports, concentration reports), risk assessment and style analysis of money managers, term structure modelling, rich cheap analysis.
  6. Mark-to-market of fixed income instruments.
  7. Credit research reports covering liquidity and debt analysis (Equity based).
  8. Yield and CDS spreads.
Thus looking at them can help us understand how MATLAB can help us to work on these specific areas.

Passive Smart ETF

CMO

http://www.mathworks.in/help/fininst/using-collateralized-debt-obligations-cmo-.html

http://www.mathworks.in/help/fininst/cmoschedcf.html
http://www.mathworks.in/help/fininst/mbscfamounts.html
http://www.mathworks.in/help/fininst/cmoseqcf.html
http://www.mathworks.in/help/fininst/example-collateralized-debt-obligations-cmos-.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collateralized_mortgage_obligation

Links to toolbox:
statistical_toolbox.pdf
econometrics_toolbox.pdf
financial_derivatives_toolbox.pdf
financial_time_series_toolbox.pdf
fixed_income_toolbox.pdf
financial_toolbox.pdf

Some Books to refer:
  • Elementary Stochastic Calculus With Finance in View (Advanced Series on Statistical Science & Applied Probability, Vol 6) (Advanced Series on Statistical Science and Applied Probability).
  • Financial Options: From Theory to Practice.
  • Paul Wilmott on Quantitative Finance 3 Volume Set (2nd Edition).
  • Monte Carlo Methodologies and Applications for Pricing and Risk Management. 
  • Stochastic Calculus for Finance I: The Binomial Asset Pricing Model (Springer Finance / Springer Finance Textbooks).
  • Modern Pricing of Interest-Rate Derivatives: The LIBOR Market Model and Beyond.
  • The Analysis of Structured Securities: Precise Risk Measurement and Capital Allocation.
  • Credit Derivatives Pricing Models: Models, Pricing and Implementation (The Wiley Finance Series).






One on One Customized Training:
qcfinance.in believes in personalized touch so that our clients are completely satisfied with our service. In this regard, we offer One on One Customized Training to our clients.
These Training are provided on requests by our clients & are customized according to their individual needs.
The course structure & timings for these training are highly flexible, classes are scheduled as per the convenience of our clients. 

Contact Us for More details: info@qcfinance.in

MATLAB for Finance FRM CFA

Monday, June 11, 2012

Reinsurance Interview Prep Questions


In this post I am going to talk about Reinsurance, like CDS this is another very interesting area.

Important Points:
  1. Two types of Reinsurance: Facultative and Treaty.
  2. Reliability of Big Machines and how they could fail is an engineering area which needs to be put in a Business case for the Facilitative Reinsurance.
  3. A profile of Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering is useful to capture reliability of these devices and when they could fail causing an event. 
  4. Exotic Insurance like CDS Swap, defaults do they come under reinsurance?
  5. Catastrophe modeling: Various distributions 
  6. Securitization 
  7. Reinsurance Side Car: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinsurance_sidecar
  8. Catastrophe Bonds and trends
  9. Poisson Distribution, I think I saw this operation Risk in FRM as well. Levy process, Bayes estimation.
  10. Monte Carlo, Pareto Distribution, Bootstrapping, we often see these terms in Insurance Analytic 
  11. Some Actuarial Exams has this General Insurance paper which your should refer

These are some of the topics that you might find helpful. There are very less jobs in Reinsurance and hence this area is not explored for Job prospectus. Jobs for entry level are with Reinsurance Brokers.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Credit Risk Research & Prep guide for FRM Level 2, Credit Risk Interview, CFA L2 Fixed Income

Credit Risk Research & Prep guide for FRM CFA Fixed Income/Job Interviews
By Satyadhar Joshi


Introduction
This thread is about Credit Risk for FRM Level 2, Credit Risk Interview, and other topics of Modeling Credit Risk. One thing that is very important for you to understand is that is that if you read without understanding the matter, you might fail in the interviews which run for over 2 hours, with at least 50 questions for a Credit Risk Job.

To start with, I will assume you are through with FRM and CFA Level 1 or MBA Finance and know all the basics of Finance. Now we will jump into the advanced areas of credit risk.


FRM Level 2
Areas of Credit Risk that are interesting to look into are (also in the form of chapters in readings in FRM Level 2):
  1. MBS: Securitization, Tranching & CMO.
  2. Measuring of Credit Risk & Measuring of default Risk: Requires Probability.
  3. Credit Exposure calculations.
  4. CDS & CDO (Structural Finance), CDO contains all of them and is most complex.
  5. Managing Credit Risk.
Now how these credit risk elements are modeled and simulated is another important aspect.


Quant Finance application in credit research:
  1. Stochastic Calculus & Black Scholes (use to find interest rates of the future)
  2. Monet Carlo (CFA L2 talks about how to use it for Option adjusted Spread)
  3. Neural Networks (used to reverse engineering elements from market, saw some research papers on this area, will try to post the link).

Modeling Aspects in Credit Risk, to be done using SAS or VBA Excel:
  1. Database Management in SAS, Access, Business Objects, Hyperion and Cognos.
  2. Using decision tree or cluster analysis to group together similar operating variables, environment etc.
  3. Using regression based models (Logistic, OLS, Discriminant, etc.) to arrive at EL (Expected loss per Quarter), PD (Probability of Default), LGD (Loss Given Default) and Exposure at Default.
  4. Modeling probability based on logistic regression in SAS.
  5. Sensitivity (Elasticity) analysis, Interest rate/Discount rate to compute NPV of deal.
  6. Sovereign risks to model interest rate.
  7. Basel Credit Risk Modeling (PD, LGD & Stress Testing).
  8. Logistic Regression, Linear Regression, Cluster, CHAID and Time Series Forecasting.
  9. SAS, FICO Model Builder, Knowledge Seeker, MS Office and Minitab.

      CFA helps in Credit Analysis as it has in CFA Level 2:
      1. Valuing media bonds and understanding of accounting for corporate bond valuations.
      2. Understanding how Moody uses the algo for bond rating.
      3. CDS uses bond valuation which is not covered in FRM but in CFA L2 for corporate bonds.

      From FRM Level 1 Monte Carlo & Interest rate dynamics
      1. One Box Ingersoll Ross one factor model for short term interest rates.
      2. Two factor Brennan and Schwerz Model for short term and long term rates.

      Numerical of Credit Risk (CFA Level 2):
      1. Binomial numerical CFA L2.
      2. CPR PSA.
      3. Tranches in CMO.
      4. Valuation last chapter of CFA L2 Fixed Income is interesting.
      5. Monte Carlo Simulation for calculating probability of default and or OAS and CMO.

      Important points that comes out from CFA L2:
      1. CDO is an ABS.
      2. OAS is an interesting thing to read on, and how they are used with Monte carlo simulation.
      3. OAS over valued and under valued.

      Trends in Credit Research

      In all, we have to also understand computation of default frequency and numerical for default frequency and reverse interpretation from Rating agency. Models to calculate default frequency and loss given default and change of yield is an important parameter which is quite hot.

      Tough numerical of FRM Level 2 is interesting, which you learn when you will give the Level 2 exam.


      Linking SAS for credit risk [1]:
      1. Classification trees, neural networks, time-series modeling.
      2. Roll rate models, predict delinquencies and perform vintage curve analysis to generate highly accurate credit loss forecasts (these are interesting research areas that are being researched).
      3. Probability of default, exposure at default, credit migration, regulatory capital, risk weighted assets, credit value at risk (CVaR) and economic capital (areas seen in FRM L2).
      4. Mark-to-market calculations, model risk factors, run Monte Carlo simulations, explore scenarios and build stress tests.

      Things that were interesting but not prepared by me, please learn about them before entering:
      1. Merton Model.
      2. Migration Risk.
      3. Copula and Multivariate Analysis.
      4. Advanced VBA, but there is no international exam on this.
      5. SAS is the most relevant software for Credit Risk, SQL Excel and how to link them in SAS software is another interesting thing.

      3rd Party Resources (Credit to respective authors):

      Quoting Kenny Ming of HK from [2] where he talks about interview questions. And I Quote
      1. Basel II and Implication.
      2. Risk Management in Derivatives Product, Structured Products and Hybrid Products.
      3. Forecasting Time Series by Garch(1.1), Garch(1.1)-t, Garch-M, Nonlinear-Garch, Kurtosis of Garch model, CHARMA, EGarch Model by Maximum Likelihood function . IGarch(1.1) for Risk Metrics
      4. Risk Metrics approach for portfolio risk.
      5. Monte Carlo Simulation for portfolio stocks, structured products such as equity linked products, hybrid products.
      6. Greeks for dynamic hedging by closed form formula for standard European Option and finite difference method for non-linear structured product and exotic option.
      7. Static Hedging of Option by Derman and Peter Carr Approach and Quasi Static Approach for re-hedging structured products.
      8. Value at Risk: Law of Coherent Risk (Axioms and examples)
      9. Extreme Value Theory: Estimation of tail distribution, Dynamic extreme value theory, Multivariate EVT
      10. Statistics and Probability: e.g. skewness, tail effect, distribution, conditional probability, tower law of probability.
      11. Back-testing and Stress-testing principle
      12. Using add-in Excel function and VBA for large scale risk management assessment.
      13. Pricing non-linear option by C++ programming.
      14. Interest rate model, Swaption, fixed income

      GARCH (1.1) model to simulate the volatility due to "leverage" effect?
      How about if there is great jump/drop?
      How about if the volatility forecasting is related to other variable?
      How do you compare with the difference between GARCH and implied volatility?
      "Cholesky Decomposition"


      How to create VAR for:
      1) Private Debt Securities (PDS)
      2) IRS & CCS
      3) Convertible Bonds
      4) American style FX Options
      5) European style interest rate caps & floors
      6) Callable Range Accruals
      7) American style exchange traded Equity Warrants
      8) Multi-asset basket options.

      Mountain Range Options taken from [2].

      Conclusion
      Three sources needs to be seen: CFA FRM and bits of quant finance to understand and work in credit risk area. The area is very deep and you need to read a lot to know more about how things go. The jobs here are very interesting and fascination. If I get time I will develop a video series for this area.


      List of place to read about financial risk [3]:
      1. www.wbstraining.com/php/events/showevent.php?id=117
      2. www.financial-conferences.com
      3. www.incisive-events.com/public/showPage.html?page=im_events_quanteuro2006_prog&tempId=334063
      4. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9965.2006.00281.x.

      My Targets are to model the following in MATLAB [6] for Credit Risk:
      1. Questions of VAR
      2. CDO
      3. CDS
      4. OAS
      5. Monte Carlo Simulation for various applications.
      I will try to put my code here as well so that you can run the program on your system as well.


      References
      [1] http://www.sas.com/industry/financial-services/banking/credit-risk-management/index.html
      [2] http://www.wilmott.com/messageview.cfm?catid=16&threadid=49249
      [3] http://www.wilmott.com/messageview.cfm?catid=11&threadid=43404
      [4] My SAS Post on the same Blog: http://stockcreditfinancecfa.blogspot.in/2011/12/sas-base-certification-study.html
      [5] http://www.sas.com/offices/europe/uk/education/courses/bb3c61.html
      [6] http://www.mathworks.in/computational-finance/.


      Taken from Naukri.com:
      • Familiarity with PD, LGD models with hands on experience in creating these.
      • Knowledge of Basel framework and regulations and experience in creating related models.
      • Running SAS queries to prepare datasets used in analysis and predictive modeling.
      • Ability to use SQL from SAS to extract and aggregate data from larger data sources.
      • Perform ad-hoc analysis/statistical analysis and generate actionable reports.
      • Provide assistance/guidance to other team members in SAS/SPSS/MS Excel/MS Access and VBA etc.
      • Exposure to other analysis tools like SPSS, R, and other is useful.
      • Exposure to IT data management tools and BI platforms is a plus.
      • Generally hedge funds/Asset managers needs to implement market risk solution in the enterprise wide. risk framework. It requires understanding of the details of Market Risk/Credit risk and derivative products from major asset classes (Fixed Income, Equity and derivatives).
      • Working across risk framework ladder which typically covers risk production, pricing and valuation, risk analytics and risk advisory Key Skills.
      • Expertise in Market risk/ Credit risk is required focusing on value at Risk, scenario analysis and stress testing and Portfolio p&l attribution.
      • Knowledge about pricing and modelling of financial products from Fixed Income, Equity and structured products domain.
      • Knowledge of Global markets dynamics including macroeconomics, news analysis and ability to relate financial markets event to trade performance etc.

      Friday, March 23, 2012

      CMT vs CFT / Chartered Market Technician vs Certified Financial Technician, CFT / CMT and Algorithmic Trading Course on Wiziq


      Course Link - http://www.wiziq.com/course/71364-an-introduction-to-technical-analysis 

      THE COURSE IS A GROUP COURSE WITH MINIMUM OF 10 LEARNERS. WITHIN ONE MONTH OF FIRST ENROLLMENT, IF THE BATCH DOESN'T GET COMPLETED WE WILL ISSUE YOU COMPLETE REFUND. 

      Course Link (Currently closed, please contact us for registration) - CFT/CMT & Algorithmic Trading

      Check Out This Page on our Website: http://qcfinance.in/cmt-level-1-course/






      Course structure:

      TopicClass duration
      1Quantitative Approach to FX and Commodity Markets(1 hr)
      2Basic Trading Strategies(1 hr)
      3Reversal Patterns(1 hr)
      4Advances in Trading Markets(1 hr)
      5VWAP/TWAP, Risk Management in Trading(1 hr)
      6Momentum Indicators(1 hr)
      7Effects of Interest Rates on Stock Markets(1 hr)
      8Trading Systems and Financial Risk Management(1 hr)
      9Interlinkages between Global Markets(1 hr)
      10Oscillators, Relative Strengths(1 hr)
      11Revision/Extra session(1 hr)


      Course highlights:
      • Learn about Algorithmic Trading & how it impacts Technical Analysis.
      • Benefits professionals who are looking for CFT/CMT certification.
      • New interpretation, terminologies & basic IQ for the subject covered.
      • You get instructed by a teacher who is experienced & qualified.
      • You will be able to view/download PPTs & class notes.

      CFT or Certified Financial Technician Certification gives an International Professional Qualification in Technical Analysis.The exam is of Two levels & is designed to test the technical skill knowledge along with the understanding of ethics & market of the examinees.

      Level I - A multiple choice test with 120 questions, testing mainly the technical knowledge.

      Level II - A theoretical level in which essay based questions are asked requiring extensive technical as well as real life knowledge of the finance.

      CMT or Chartered Market Technician Certification is very similar to the CFT Certification, wherein candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in Technical Analysis. Unlike CFT, CMT consists of three levels, Level 1 & 2 consists of multiple choice questions while Level 3 consists of short answer type questions.

      The objectives of the CMT Program are:

      To professionalize in the field of Technical Analysis.
      To promote High Ethical & Professional Standards.
      To guide candidates in Mastering a Professional Body of knowledge.

      Clearing all three levels of CMT helps a candidate become an International Professional Technical Analyst.

      The course of these two certifications are almost similar & will be covered completely in the course.


      Some features of the course:
      • It is a duration based course of 2 months, total of 11 hours.
      • 11 Live Interactive classes on Virtual classroom, 1 hour each. Participate in the real-time discussions with the instructor.
      • Mostly the class will be held on weekends.
      • Review & revise with recordings of all the classes any number of times.
      • Learning aids: 25 PPTs, 3 Assessment Tests, 1 (formula sheet), 25 Online tests.


      Some important links & points relevant to CFT:
      • http://www.taindia.org/IFTA_CFTe
      • http://www.ifta.org/
      • Exam Fee - Level 1: US $ 500, Level 2: US $ 800
      • 2.5 Hours with 120 questions.
      • Focuses on 6 broad areas.
      • Medium Difficulty.
      • 4 choices out of which one is correct.
      • No work experience is required.
      • Less online resources.

      Some important links & points relevant to CMT:
      • http://www.mta.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=chartered-market-technician
      • http://www.mta.org/
      • http://www.atma-india.net/cmt-program.html
      • 2 Hours, 135 Questions.
      • 4 Choices, 1 correct.
      • Easier exam compared to CFTe.
      • Better online resource than CFTe.
      • Work experience required.

      Contact us:

      Course Teacher: Shivgan Joshi (Shivgan@qcfinance.in, shivgan3@gmail.com).

      Course Manager: Arpit (arpit@qcfinance.in, arpit2041@yahoo.com).

        SOME ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

        I came across them as I was looking at commodities where fundamentals are important for a long term, but for short terms technical analysis is more important. When we look at Gold, Forex, etc., then we realize the importance of technical analysis.

        I will not say which one is better as both are good in different areas, rather I will talk on points that will help you to compare both the exams and understand how to use the exams to learn things and be an innovative person.

        In CMT, the syllabus is referred as: Body of Knowledge which has hardcore Technical analysis work. I loved the syllabus of this exam as these things are readily applicable once a person is through with CFA and FRM exams which develops the breadth of knowledge for the exam. After reading CFA/FRM/Quant Finance this exam is something which fascinates me.

        MTA seems to be bigger in terms of open source (they have a huge public library that contains free stuff) and contributions on internet if has made for new learners hence I personally like it more. CFT does not seems very attractive to me as for now, but it depends on various other factors, biggest being the syllabus that suites your requirements.

        For India:
        In India we have Association of Technical Analyst (TAI India) which conducts exam for Certified Technical Analyst (CTA), but I am not not sure if it given due value and respect or not. But for sure it is cost effective.


        Conclusions from what I found:
        • CMT community is more wide spread and more developed. Hence you will benefit more from CMT. However, keep in mind, knowledge is more important and in both case, you gain knowledge. Given the cost effectiveness and easier rules of CFTe, it also cannot be ruled out as a great preference.
        • Some say that CMT holds more validity in USA while CFTe holds grip over Europe.
        • CFT designation, a little lower regarded certificate in the professional world, since it has no work/sponsorship requirement. But if you have experience and money CFT would work.
        • As per MTA we can do the tests and complete all 3 levels, however you can use the "CMT charter" after your name only when you have the respective 2/3 years of relevant experience. No such problems lies in CFT.
        • The MTA recommends 100 hours of study for exam one, 140 hours for exam two and 160 hours for exam three. 
        • CMT Passing rate is aprox. 70%, CFT not given.

        http://www.mta.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=chartered-market-technician
        http://www.ifta.org/certifications/financial/



        Course Link- CFT/CMT & Algorithmic Trading


        Other Links:
        http://en.cqi.sg/introduction-to-quantitative-investment-201310/
        http://www.numericalmethod.com/trac/numericalmethod/wiki/Trading/Literature
        http://en.cqi.sg/courses/core-curriculum/risk-management/
        http://en.cqi.sg/courses/core-curriculum/algorithm-design-and-analysis/
        http://en.cqi.sg/courses/core-curriculum/monte-carlo-methods-and-optimization-methods/
        http://en.cqi.sg/courses/core-curriculum/quantitative-equity-portfolio-management/
        http://en.cqi.sg/courses/core-curriculum/statistics/

        One on One Customized Training:
        qcfinance.in believes in personalized touch so that our clients are completely satisfied with our service. In this regard, we offer One on One Customized Training to our clients.
        These trainings are provided on request by our clients & are customized according to their individual needs.
        The course structure & timings for these training are highly flexible, classes are scheduled as per the convenience of our clients.

        Contact Us for More details: info@qcfinance.in

        Monday, March 12, 2012

        Bloomberg Aptitude Test Prep Online Course

        Bloomberg Aptitude Test (BAT) Prep Online Course (20 hours course)

        Strategically built course to crack the BAT exam.


        Note: Bloomberg Aptitude Test (BAT) was earlier known as Bloomberg Assessment Test.


        Link to the course




        Course highlights:
        • One on One classes available.
        • Demo class can be scheduled as per convenience.
        • Helps to crack BAT Exam that helps you to land a top Interview.
        • Not just BAT, this course also helps in your preparation for other exams like CFA & FRM.
        • Get Knowledge about latest news & get much needed knowledge of various fields/topics of finance.
        • Get access to live, recorded, doubt clearing classes along with materials & tests to crack BAT.
        • Increased focus on aptitude part according to new BAT.

        Language of Instruction - English. 


        COURSE STRUCTURE

        Class No.
        Topic
        Duration
        1
        Strategy to take Bloomberg Assessment test
        (1 hr)
        2 & 3
        FRA/Corporate/Equity Valuations/Ratios
        (4 hrs)
        4
        Investment Banking
        (2 hrs)
        5
        Bloomberg terminal
        (1 hr)
        6 & 7
        Bond/Fixed Income Market/Derivatives
        (4 hrs)
        8
        Economics revision/Federal Reserve
        (2 hrs)
        9
        Interpreting Market News
        (2 hrs)
        10
        Analytical Reasoning
        (2 hrs)
        11
        Revision/Extra session
        (2 hrs)


        Areas of focus:
        1. Sensitization on derivative, quant, fixed income, portfolio, VAR modeling.
        2. Introduction to all features of Bloomberg Terminal.
        3. Provide introduction about all profiles in Finance.
        4. Right mix of data analytical, ethics & finance concepts.
        5. Examples with real data to enhance your IQ (US Municipal Bonds).
        6. Under the applicability and use on Bloomberg or Reuters websites (Introduction to tickers, RIC).
        7. Real life examples & real cases which are currently hot in the market.
        8. New Interpretation, terminologies & basic IQ for the subject covered.
        9. Along with financial aspects, increased focus on Aptitude section according to new BAT. 
        10. Investment Banking questions (synergy, leverage buyout and IPO not covered with much details in CFA).
        11. News Interpretation of Bond Markets (names of US based bonds, in general credit risk is a famous area to understand yields and spreads).
        12. Practical questions on financial markets.

        Important points of the course:
        1. Highly flexible and tailored as per needs of individual.
        2. Sensitization on derivative, quant, fixed income, portfolio & VAR modeling.
        3. Gives introduction to all features of Bloomberg Terminal.
        4. Provide introduction about all profiles in Finance.
        5. Helpful for passing FRM, CFA & other Finance certification exams.
        6. Prepares for career advancement in financial analysis.
        7. Helpful for MBA Finance aspirants.

        COURSEWARE

            Tutorials - 46        Class Recordings - 45        Tests - 61


            WHAT WE OFFER

            Live Classes - Scheduled for weekends ----- Doubt Clearing Classes - As per convenience ----- Free Demo Class ----- One on One Classes also available.


            About the instructor:
            • Got 68% score in BAT (among 90 percentile globally).
            • Cleared CFA Level 1 & FRM Level 1 Exams.
            • Have immense experience in online teaching (more than 2 years).

            BAT Exam Structure:

            Bloomberg Aptitude Test (BAT) consists of 8 sections with 100 questions to be answered in 2 hours.

            Source: Bloomberg Institute




            • News Analysis – Consists of 12 questions designed to assess the capability to use information from news articles. 
            • Economics – Consists of 12 questions designed to assess the application of Economic Concepts. 
            • Math Skills – Consists of 14 questions designed to assess the broad-spectrum math skills, with an emphasis on finance related math. 
            • Analytical Reasoning – Consists of 12 questions designed to assess the problem solving ability. 
            • Financial Statement Analysis – Consists of 12 questions designed to assess the basic understanding of financial statements.
            • Investment Banking – Consists of 12 questions designed to assess how one applies the fundamental principles of financing & strategic advisory performed by an Investment Banking. 
            • Global Markets – Consists of 14 questions designed to assess familiarity with a broad range of concepts, current events, and trends in the global financial markets that are presented in the media.
            • Chart & Graph Analysis - Consists of 12 questions designed to assess your ability to interpret & use information found in charts & graphs.



            Strategy To Crack BAT: Leave no weakness: Importance of balance --- Have it all ready for the exam --- Play time bound game --- Explore public files.




            Quant & Verbal:
            • Logical Reasoning
            • Quant
            • Verbal
            • Strategy for geometry, probability, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, table formation.
            • 1 set of questions.
            About Bloomberg Terminal:
            • B-terminal (ticker) data from Bloomberg
            • Reuter RIC.
            • Importing on excel.
            • Shortcuts.
            • Basic idea about terminals like Factset, capital IQ, etc.
            News Analysis:
            • News of Financial Markets.
            • Chart of the day.
            • Importance of Federal Reserve and market direction.
            • Reading bloomberg.com & Reuter.com.
            Advanced Equity Valuation:
            • Sector to understand: Oil & Energy vs. Technology vs. Healthcare etc.
            • Adjustments & apple-apple comparison of intra sector Companies.
            • FCFE & FCFF for valuation.
            • Making Projection: Element by Element.
            • Intuitive understanding of formula EV/EBITDA.
            • Computing CFO from various methods.
            • Equity CFA L2.
            Investment Banking:
            • EV/EBITDA
            • Transaction vs. Trading multiple
            • Rating effect on spreads
            • Share buy back
            • Monte Carlo
            • Effect of P/E on acquisition
            • Synergy
            • Google buying Motorola (specials on patents)
            • IPO (Facebook)
            • Corporate Finance CFA L2
            CFA Level2:
            • Equity (transaction vs. trading multiples).
            • Corporate Finance: corporate action.
            • Financial Reporting Analysis: Consolidation.
            • International economics.
            • Cash flow calculations.
            • Mistakes improvement.

            Playlist:

            http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_-KSXJS5pxMzB6qMOBlJDaWy30xYxDuc




            Uploaded by Shivgan on WizIQ Tutorials

            One on One Customized Training:
            qcfinance.in believes in personalized touch so that our clients are completely satisfied with our service. In this regard, we offer One on One Customized Training to our clients.
            These Trainings are provided on request by our clients & are customized according to their individual needs.
            The course structure & timings for these training are highly flexible, classes are scheduled as per the convenience of our clients.


            Other Courses on offer:


            Get 50% Discount on VBA for Financial Engineering/MATLAB for Financial Engineering Courses when you join the BAT Exam prep course.


            Contact Us for More details: info@qcfinance.in