FAQ
Q: Who are you?
A: Based in Zurich, Switzerland, I am an economist working in various parts of the financial industry. I believe the Internet can be used for much more than just online shopping, which was my original motivation to start this website in spring 2000. For more information, please visit my public profile on LinkedIn.
Q: What software are you using?
A: I use the standard functionality of Microsoft Excel and custom VBA functions. For anything else going beyond, I use the MATLAB by MathWorks. Excel is a de facto standard in the financial industry (nobody talks about it, but one could easily claim that 'Wall Street is being run by Microsoft') and MATLAB contains a lot of high-level mathematical functions.
Q: But MATLAB is so expensive!
Yes, but the costs of writing all the powerful functions in MATLAB from scratch will cost you even more. Further, there is a "student version" available for a very modest fee.
Q: Why is it that the information and tools provided on your website is for free?
A: Because you also don't pay for the letters when you start to learn the alphabet... ...most of the materials on this website is very basic. The original sources and a lot of materials can be found on the net for free anyway. The 'service' that I providing here as far as I can see it is mainly in providing a 'structure' to make sense of the many bits and pieces that are scattered out there.
But I hope (I know I'm an optimist...) that other people will be motivated to share as well and that over time, a body of resources will collect that goes well beyond what a single person has to offer. The easiest way to contribute is by participating in the discussion forums. If you really feel you owe me, then feel free to make a donation...
Donated money will be spent on infrastructure maintaining this website (software, web space etc.).
Q: I have a lot to contribute but I am afraid that any conflicts with the interests of my employer will backfire.
A: I think everybody is wearing several hats in life, that's normal. The important issue is usually to clearly distinguish the different roles and to be aware of certain legal restrictions. But exchange of ideas and experiences with peers will benefit every individual as well as every company in the long run. Note that nobody requires you to contribute using your real name. Feel free to have the newsletter sent to a private email address and you also don't have to use your real name when participating in the discussion forums.
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