The market for credit derivatives--financial instruments designed to transfer credit risk from one party to another--has grown exponentially in recent years, with volume expected to reach more than $4.8 trillion by 2004. With demand increasing from the private sector for finance professionals trained in the opportunities--and dangers--inherent in this fast-changing market, finance courses are already springing up to meet this need.

Credit Derivatives:

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• Explains the field of credit derivatives to business students with a background in finance
  
• Cites real-world examples throughout, reinforced by end-of-chapter questions and internet links to pricing models
  
• Provides a concise overview of the field that is ideal for instructors seeking to supplement traditional derivatives course material, as well as those looking to offer a stand-alone course on credit derivatives.

Gunter Meissner is Professor of Finance at Hawaii Pacific University, and is author of Outperform the Dow: Using Options, Futures, and Portfolio Strategies to Beat the Market (Wiley, 2000). He is also Founder and President of Derivatives Software.