An investor′s guide to understanding and using financial instruments The Handbook of Financial Instruments provides comprehensive coverage of a broad range of financial instruments, including equities, bonds (asset–backed and mortgage–backed securities), derivatives (equity and fixed income), insurance investment products, mutual funds, alternative investments (hedge funds and private equity), and exchange traded funds. The Handbook of Financial Instruments explores the basic features of each instrument introduced, explains their risk characteristics, and examines the markets in which they trade. Written by experts in their respective fields, this book arms individual investors and institutional investors alike with the knowledge to choose and effectively use any financial instrument available in the market today. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is proud to be the publisher of the esteemed Frank J. Fabozzi Series . Comprising nearly 100 titles–which include numerous bestsellers— The Frank J. Fabozzi Series is a key resource for finance professionals and academics, strategists and students, and investors. The series is overseen by its eponymous editor, whose expert instruction and presentation of new ideas have been at the forefront of financial publishing for over twenty years. His successful career has provided him with the knowledge, insight, and advice that has led to this comprehensive series. Frank J. Fabozzi , PhD, CFA, CPA, is Editor of the Journal of Portfolio Management , which is read by thousands of institutional investors, as well as editor or author of over 100 books on finance for the professional and academic markets. Currently, Dr. Fabozzi is an adjunct Professor of Finance at Yale University′s School of Management and on the board of directors of the Guardian Life family of funds and the Black Rock complex of funds.