The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets

Stock exchange crashes can be modelled in ways analogous to phase transitions and earthquakes. These models allow for predictions. This study edition has been updated with a presentation of several new andsignificant developments, e.g. the dynamics of volatility smiles and implied volatility surface...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Voit, Johannes
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Berlin, Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2001, 2001
Edition:1st ed. 2001
Series:Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Subjects:
Online Access:
Collection: Springer Book Archives -2004 - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
Description
Summary:Stock exchange crashes can be modelled in ways analogous to phase transitions and earthquakes. These models allow for predictions. This study edition has been updated with a presentation of several new andsignificant developments, e.g. the dynamics of volatility smiles and implied volatility surfaces, path integral approaches to option pricing, a new and accurate simulation scheme for options, multifractals, the application of nonextensive statistical mechanics to financial markets, and the minority game
[...] In summary, a very good book that offers more than just qualitative comparisons of physics and finance." (www.quantnotes.com) This textbook describes parallels between statistical physics and finance - both those established in the 100-year-long interaction between these disciplines, as well as new research results on capital markets. The random walk, well known in physics, is also the basic model in finance, upon which are built, for example, the Black-Scholes theory of option pricing and hedging, or methods of risk control using diversification. Here the underlying assumptions are discussed using empirical financial data and analogies to physical models such as fluid flows, turbulence, or superdiffusion. On this basis, new theories of derivative pricing and risk control can be formulated. Computer simulations of interacting agent models of financial markets provide insights into the origins of asset price fluctuations.
From the reviews - "Provides an excellent introduction for physicists interested in the statistical properties of financial markets. Appropriately early in the book the basic financial terms such as shorts, limit orders, puts, calls, and other terms are clearly defined. Examples, often with graphs, augment the reader’s understanding of what may be a plethora of new terms and ideas… [This is] an excellent starting point for the physicist interested in the subject. Some of the book’s strongest features are its careful definitions, it detailed examples, and the connection it establishes to physical systems." PHYSICS TODAY, August 2002 "This book is excellent at illustrating the similarities of financial markets with other non-equilibrium physical systems.
Physical Description:XII, 220 p. 22 illus online resource
ISBN:9783662044230