Nonlinear Pricing Theory and Applications

One of the most striking applications of chaos theory in recent years, non-linear pricing uses genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, fractal imaging and other cutting-edge technologies to identify and exploit patterns hidden within the seemingly helter-skelter rise and fall of daily stock prices.

In a totally new way of looking at financial economics, Nonlinear Pricing abandons the traditional assumptions of equilibrium in economics and randomness in a time-series. These shortcomings are becoming increasingly awkward given a superior technological infrastructure and advances in mathematics and the sciences. Despite these advances and their empirical proof, much remains confused or muddled. In this groundbreaking new book, leading hedge fund manager Christopher T. May explores the nature and role of nonlinearity, an inherent part of everyday reality, and illustrates a profit-making strategy.

One of the many striking applications of nonlinear technology in recent years, nonlinear pricing uses cutting-edge technology to identify and exploit patterns hidden within the seemingly helter-skelter rise and fall of daily stock prices. Nonlinear Pricing sheds much needed light on the principles behind this innovative view of reality and provides clear explanations of how it is employed to predict-at least partially-the unpredictable.

Beginning with an incisive introduction to the topic, May presents the roots of nonlinearity through the examples of calendrics, geometry, and music. He then illustrates the application and integration of various nonlinear technologies, including genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, fractal imaging, and nonlinear dynamics, to such essentials as trading strategies, asset allocation, risk management, and derivative pricing and hedging. Along with practical methodologies and a wealth of real-world examples, this comprehensive resource contains a glossary of terms, a bibliography, and in-depth information on:
* Fractal analysis-power law distributions, fractional Brownian motion, and their relationships
* The Hurst Exponent-the KAOS screen and its practical implementation
* Resonance-time domain versus frequency domain, Brownian motion, and the Gaussian distribution
* Advanced concepts-Soros's Reflexivity, nonequilibrium economics, kernel of theoretical nonlinear pricing, May's Law, resolution and resonance.

"Nonlinear Pricing is an eminently readable book which I found satisfied both the theorist and the practitioner in me. For the theorist, there are new insights into the relationship between complexity and the markets. For the practitioner, there are practical ideas on how to fashion investment strategies. I highly recommend Nonlinear Pricing to all students of the markets."-Edgar E. Peters, Chief Investment Strategist, PanAgora Asset Management; author, Chaos and Order in the Capital Markets.

"Nonlinear Pricing goes further than any book I am aware of in drawing a connection between the real world of economics and the new ideas about economics coming from the science of self-organized systems. Written in a lively, informal style, this is a wonderful read for those of us who have been wondering whether anyone understands anything at all about how markets work."-Lee Smolin, PhD, Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University.

"Required reading for the enlightened financial professional. Enjoyable for the intelligent investor. A dash of physics, bite-sized pieces of nonlinear concepts, and a broth of hands-on experience make this a cookbook for the modern trader."-Richard E. Morley, Potts Medal recipient and founder of the Breakfast Club.

"A real eye-opener-Nonlinear Pricing explains a complex subject in easy terms and makes the reader aware of the many opportunities offered by this new technology."-Richard Olsen, founder, Olsen and Associates, Zurich.

"I, of course, think highly of this book as it credits Dance of the Money Bees with inventing 'swarm theory,' now a discipline in computer science. There are many other splendid insights."-John Train, author and President of the Montrose Fund

Written by one of the few practitioners using this breakthrough methodology to trade the markets successfully, Nonlinear Pricing fills an important niche in investment literature. It is a must read for anyone seeking to understand-and capitalize on-twenty-first century financial economics.