The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will host a special talk exploring the current economic market and the role math plays in finance. Part of the college’s Mathematics Colloquium Series, the event is free and all are encouraged to attend.
“Toxic Assets and Financial Crises”
Mathematics Colloquium Series | John Chadam, Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh)
Friday, Mar. 15
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Carl DeSantis Building | Room 1047
About the Talk
This talk will begin with a brief introduction to risk-neutral pricing of financial derivatives—such as bonds, options, and credit default swaps—using the Black-Scholes-Merton math model. Using these ideas, Chadam will then explore areas of concern in the equity and bond markets. In particular, he will discuss insider trading in the recent sale of H. J. Heinz, and examine the topics of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and emerging instabilities in bond markets.
If time permits, Chadam will discuss how mathematical methods might be used to understand contagion in networks of financial institutions, the functioning of dark markets and high-frequency trading, and commodity markets and sustainability.
About the Speaker
John Chadam, Ph.D., is a professor of mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). He earned his doctoral degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his research in the field of math finance is highly regarded. Chadam served as chair and graduate director of Pitt’s Department of Mathematics for several years and founded the university’s Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematics program.
About the Series
Hosted by the college’s Division of Math, Science, and Technology, the Mathematics Colloquium Series aims to increase awareness of mathematics’ importance and applications in daily life. The series also gives mathematics faculty members and students the opportunity to discuss independent research and share their passion for the subject.
For more information, contact Iuliana Stanculescu, Ph.D., associate professor at the college, at (954) 262-7994.
