From the Inside Flap
It is an age-old maxim–and one that few would challenge–that traders run the risk of crashing by taking on too much risk. But as Kenneth Grant asserts in Trading Risk, money managers and individual traders also suffer by not taking enough targeted risk. Small, profitable trades are fine, but they’ll never harvest the substantial profits investors require to take their portfolios to the next level. What traders need is a reliable system for managing risk–so they can confidently make the big investments they desire and achieve the results they deserve.
Kenneth Grant has managed portfolio risk for several of the world’s most elite, successful hedge funds. Now, he shares his trade secrets, showing how the aggressive trading that is the signature of leading hedge funds can be applied by traders at all levels without excessive risk. Trading Risk offers revolutionary yet practical techniques for real-world traders, not superficial theories or complex quantitative formulas. Grant’s proven scientific strategies are presented in accessible language any trader can understand–and put into practice.
Many professional traders are constrained by firm-wide risk management rules that stifle major growth. Individual traders are often overwhelmed by books presenting quantitative formulas that practically require PhDs to implement. Both kinds of traders too often default to a loose collection of subjective rules of thumb. Grant’s system is a simple yet effective solution–and it strips away much of the subjectivity that makes major deals appear too hazardous for many traders.
Using an extremely simple set of statistical and arithmetic tools, Grant illustrates how to evaluate which portfolio elements are working and which are not. He then shows you how to control your exposure–and prepare for inevitable periods of suboptimal performance without going bust. Grant also helps you interpret the statistical makeup of your portfolio, and discusses how to use these statistics to make decisions consistent with both your financial objectives and your constraints.
Trading Risk demonstrates that traders virtually always have control over their portfolios and that risk can be managed even during the worst market crises–from Enron to the tech bust. With this book in hand, you’ll be able to devise and execute a customized risk management strategy. Whatever type or level of trader you are, Trading Risk offers the key to dynamic investing that doesn’t leave your assets out of control.
From the Back Cover
A revolutionary system for fearless trading without excessive risk
"Trading Risk provides a useful and intuitive roadmap of the risk management process, as written by an individual with unique experience and insight into this topic. It is an engaging read and covers complex subject matter in a straightforward and often-entertaining manner."
– Stanley Shopkorn, Shopkorn Associates
"Ken Grant's eminently readable new book on risk management is a rare blend of theory and practical applications. It is a great starting point for the novice and deep enough for the experienced practitioner."
– Mark R. Graham, Managing Partner, Blue Elite Fund, Ltd.
"This book describes a very practical approach to risk management in a lucid and entertaining manner. Anyone concerned with the topic of risk management ought to find it of interest."
– Susan Estes, Managing Director, Countrywide Securities
"Thoughtful, unique, detailed, actually enjoyable, and comprehensible reading for what is normally a boring and confusing topic."
– Dwight Anderson, President, Osprei Management, LP
"A must-read for risk managers of companies of all sizes who want to preserve capital and take practical advantage of trends in the marketplace. This is a clearly written, funny, and entertaining guide to a very serious topic that affects all corporations. This very complex topic was simplified and made easy to understand by a true expert in the art of risk management."
– Phupinder Gill, Managing Director & President
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
