❝ Dastidar has put together a concise, very readable book covering the essentials of capital markets and investments. It nicely covers the big three – fixed income, equities, and options – at a mathematical level that is typically just short of using calculus. But what really stands out is the very current discussion of the institutional mechanics behind the markets. Automated trading markets and high-frequency traders get more than a passing mention, and Dastidar details the process of offering new securities and the role of sell-side investment banks. Well worth adding to your investments bookshelf!
Charles M. Jones, Robert W. Lear Professor of Finance and Economics and Chair, Finance Sub-division, Columbia Business School, New York
❝ This concise book provides a wide perspective on capital markets ranging from asset pricing, and the anatomy of buy and sell side firms, to financial statements and macro-economics. It is ideal for anyone needing a rapid introduction or re-introduction to finance and financial institutions -- students transitioning into a graduate program in financial engineering, or technologist exploring opportunities, or even finance professional transitioning areas
Garud N. Iyengar, Chair and Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Columbia University, New York
❝ An excellent survey of financial markets, explaining in concise language everything from the different asset classes to fixed income and equity markets and portfolio theory. A useful and very practical orientation for finance professionals and students alike.
David Weisbrod, Former CEO, LCH Clearnet LLC and Vice Chairman, JPMorgan
❝ Essential reading for anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to investment management. This book makes quantitative finance accessible by succinctly blending various key aspects of investment management while also describing the pricing and mechanics of common financial instruments and important metrics and models most relevant in finance. Qualitative investors can use it to incorporate quantitative tools into their investment process, and it serves as a helpful refresher for experienced quantitative investors. The annexures contain relevant background including an overview of concepts in accounting, economics and statistics.
Tarun Gupta, Managing Director, AQR Capital Management
❝ Finally, a clear and concise book that uniquely marries sound theoretical constructs with close-up practical insights... an excellent body of knowledge for both students of finance and practitioners in the asset management industry.
Adri Guha, Chief Investment Officer, Advanced Portfolio Management
❝ This manuscript is an excellent supplement to the existing textbooks about Investments. It distinguishes itself by concise introduction of the key financial instruments and tools for analyzing them. Big-picture description of the financial system and the role of financial intermediaries is an invaluable feature.
Mikhail Chernov, Professor of Finance, Anderson School of Management, UCLA
❝ Dastidar's book provides a concise, readable and up-to-date coverage of key capital markets topics. It's perfect for introductory finance classes, and practitioners looking for quick refreshers.
John Kiff, Senior Financial Sector Expert, International Monetary Fund
❝ Masterful rendering of a complex subject into an easily digested elixir of finance; students will love the rarely-seen practical perspective that Dastidar brings to the topics.
Nandu Nayar, Hans J. Baer Chair in International Finance and Chair of the Perella Department of Finance, Lehigh University
❝ Capital Markets and Investments provides a comprehensive review of today’s capital markets, financial industry structure and the latest theories underlying asset pricing and portfolio construction. Professor Dastidar, based on his experience in both industry and academia, clearly and succinctly explains important concepts without glossing over those essential details that every aspiring market professional must know. The book’s logical and topical format lends itself to being used as a handy desk reference.
Bruce D. Phelps, Managing Director, Head of Research, PGIM (Prudential Financial's investment management arm, with over USD 1 trillion in AUM)
❝ Siddhartha does an excellent job of mixing finance concepts with real life examples, thus helping build a good foundation.
Ajit Agrawal, Managing Director, Investment Research, UBS Securities LLC
❝ This book is written with the student in mind. With clear language and sharp focus on essentials, it feels like learning from a personal tutor.
Hayong Yun, Associate Professor of Finance, Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University
❝ The textbook is like a bible for me.
Student, Columbia University, New York