Modern finance overlaps with many fields of mathematics, in particular, probability theory, linear algebra, calculus, partial differential equations, stochastic calculus, numerical mathematics, and not least programming. The diversity of mathematical skills makes finance a very challenging subject, putting a lot of strain on its prospective students. Mathematical Techniques in Finance offers an introduction to the mathematical tools that are needed to price uncertain income streams such as derivative securities. It is primarily intended as a textbook for Master’s in Finance courses with a significant quantitative element, although it has also been popular with Finance PhD students, and it has found its way onto the desks of financial analysts.
This book is about the active and practical use of mathematics with the main focus on three interrelated financial topics: asset pricing, portfolio allocation and risk measurement. The book contains a mix of applications and theory working together in a happy union; theory underpins the applications and the applications illustrate the theory. Working out the exercises is more important than trying to memorize the financial and mathematical theory contained in the text.