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The Equation That Changed Wall Street: Understanding Black–Scholes

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Intro The Black-Scholes Equation is one of the most valuable and impactful advanced financial models in Wall Street history. In this article, I will discuss what it is, how markets and institutions use it, and why it is essential. What is it? The Black-Scholes financial model/equation, denoted through the equation above, is a mathematical formula used to calculate the fair price of options for equities, where an option is a contract that lets you buy or sell a stock at a set price in the future). In a financial system where volatility is widespread and inevitable in all sectors, based on a geometric Brownian motion (signifies natural volatility in markets), the Black-Scholes model hedges option with underlying assets, leading to a risk-neutral valuation (removes risk) for options. Fischer Black and Myron Scholes included four different groups of terms, Volatility (randomness of price), Delta & Gamma (sensitivity to price changes), Theta term (time decay), and Risk-free (discounting...
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Masters of Risk: Hedge Funds Uncovered

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 Intro Hedge Funds, the talk of the modern financial scene. In this post, we will unpack what Hedge Funds are, what strategies they employ, and how they can affect the economy and private investors. General Information Hedge funds are private investment institutions that invest capital from high-net-worth clients across many asset classes to generate profits. The goal of a hedge fund is to generate high returns for high-income clients through aggressive investment strategies, while also highly compensating the fund's managers. Managers of the Hedge Fund can be compensated in accordance with the 2 and 20 rule, meaning they receive 2% of assets under management and 20% of profits. Hedge funds influence the economy by setting a standard for risk management for investors seeking to balance “hedging” against risks and generate high returns. In addition, Hedge funds are less regulated than other financial institutions, enabling them to pursue high returns, but also contributing to volati...
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Market Bubbles: When Hype Inflates and Reality Pops

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Intro Market Bubbles. A pretty intimidating and scary economic phenomenon that is masked by possible ignorance and excitement. In this edition of Market Insider, we will discuss what Market Bubbles are and how you can protect yourself against potential losses. What is a Market Bubble? Market Bubbles are periods of time when asset prices rise to an unsustainable level, fueled by speculative trading and euphoria in a specific industry or sector, which eventually leads to a "pop" or a crash when the euphoria subsides. What starts as an "undervalued" sector that grabs investors' attention turns into an over-bloated behemoth of an industry whose foundation was built with euphoria and irrationality. When investors discover said industry and deem it "undervalued," investors pile in (large institutional and private investors alike), growing the sector seemingly exponentially, backed not by profit or demand for products (actual value of assets) but by an expect...
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Market and Politics Report- End-October 2025

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  Market and Politics Report- End-October 2025  The end of October is upon us. Let's discuss some of the hottest topics in the recent news On Friday, October 24, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its September inflation data, which the government shutdown had delayed. The inflation rate hit 3.0% in September, lower than expected, and rose 0.3% month over month. Core inflation also hit 3.0% in September, increasing 0.2% month-to-month. To mention, even during the government shutdown, the BLS released this data to give the Social Security Administration a benchmark for cost-of-living adjustments in benefit checks. Though the inflation report beat expectations, economists remain wary of the tariffs' implications, and now the government shutdown could affect the economy in the future. The 2025 election season is upon us. Some of the prominent elections include the New Jersey Governor's race, with Jack Ciatterelli(R) squaring up with Rep. Mikie Sherrill(D), the Virginia go...
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Market and Politics Report- End-September 2025

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  Market and Politics Report- End-September 2025  What a busy end to September. From a government shutdown to shifting of the Fed's policy, there is a lot to debrief in this Market and Politics Report. On September 17, 2025, Fed Chair Powell announced that the Fed would lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, bringing the interest rate down to 4.00%-4.25%. This was highly anticipated, as for months, many Republicans and fiscal conservatives have been urging Powell to lower rates, thereby increasing consumer spending and investment and spurring economic growth. Additionally, Republicans, led by President Trump, have called for Powell's ouster at the end of his term as Fed chair in 2026, likely prompting Powell to act. The Fed and Powell have been hesitant to do so, due to concerns about potential inflationary downsides. However, in response to increasing public outcry, as well as a shaky labor market and slowing inflation, the Fed acted accordingly. On Septembe...
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Market and Politics Report- Mid-September 2025

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Market and Politics Report- Mid-September 2025  A surprisingly busy start to the month of September. From unfortunate news in politics to news on the upcoming Fed meeting, you won't want to miss this one. On September 10, 2025, a gunman shot and killed talk show host and political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Kirk had just begun another tour on the road for September when he was fatally shot. The gunman, identified as Tyler Robinson, faces multiple charges, with the most prominent one being aggravated murder. While the court proceedings get started, the nation is left to grieve over the loss of one of the most prolific and influential orators of this generation, and a significant force in conservative politics. Within the last week, news has arisen that the US and China are closing in on a trade deal, with a due date of November 2025. This comes as China likely wants to seek an end to President Trump's reciprocal tariffs. Since April 2, 2025, China has faced...
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Market and Politics Report- End-August 2025

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Market and Politics Report- End-August 2025  In this article, we will discuss and debrief on the second half of August. From developments with the Fed to movements in markets, the end of August was packed with events to shape our near and distant future. From August 21-23, Fed Chair Jerome Powell, along with many economists from around the world, met at Jackson Hole in Wyoming to discuss the Labor Market, Macroeconomics, and other topics as well. The outcome of this annual meeting was that Powell acknowledged the slowing of the labor market and a generally lower inflation rate, prompting him to hint at a rate cut in the near future. This news boosted markets and likely eased tensions between the Trump Administration and Powell. Since Trump and Powell have clashed with the Fed's decisions regarding monetary policy, including keeping rates steady, a hint at a rate cut likely aligns with Trump's vision for the Fed's policy, thereby resolving the conflict between the two. It wi...
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