"This book written to be an easy-to-understand introductory textbook featuring hands-on application of presented theoretical concepts. The intention of the book is introducing the subject of financial derivatives in an accessible and an appealing way. The readers will be learning by doing. In the academic environment the book is intended to be a textbook for an introductory course in financial derivatives. The purpose of this book is essentially its focus on simplicity. Financial derivatives are often regarded as financial instruments that are just too complex to comprehend and individual investors tend to shy away. At the same time market professionals state that financial derivatives trades now constitute about 40% of the overall alternative asset markets. My manuscript offers explanations of complex concepts in the simplest possible form with hands-on applications through problems, case studies, and Excel-based modules for valuation"-- |c Provided by publisher