Finance Documentaries

What Happened (Dot Com Boom and Bust)

2013-04-19T12:43:00.002-07:00

What Happened? This documentary with the name "What Happened" sets out to show you what happened during the dot com boom of the late 1990s. The documentary was created by Chas Mastin, Michael Lefort, Aldo Bello and a cast of characters in 2001-02. The documentary features interviews with such dot com luminaries as Mark Cuban. Find out what happened from those on the frontlines of the dot com boom. The documentary goes into how Internet entrepreneurs were paid obscene amounts of money for ideas and websites which made no money or didn't even have a hope of making money. Indeed the documentary claims over $20 billion of venture capital was poured into internet companies (the same amount spent on developing the nuclear bomb, and sending a man to space). Of course the investment banks played a major role in the mania - they provided capital, encouraged people to IPO in order to collect the big fees, and hyped up the valuations and prospects to a crowd of investors who were looking for hype. As interesting as this documentary is by itself, it's also an interesting example of a market mania - there will be future market manias so it is worth studying them and learning how to recognise and advantage from them.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/what-happened-dot-com-boom-and-bust.html

Trading Academy - Episode 5: Trading FX

2013-04-16T02:52:00.001-07:00

In this episode the traders get to grips with the global currency markets; learning to trade foreign exchange instruments. The traders receive advice on trading strategies and tactics from the mentors, and then are set loose on the forex markets. FX trading in particular is a very interesting form of trading as it often involves high leverage and the market can move and react to global events in an instant. You need to manage risks, know where the trend is, be aware of global macro events and form a view on where the data will print. Whether you trade on fundamentals or on price patterns you need a solid strategy and a strong trading approach - and of course you need to master your trading psychology. Watch the traders in action and learn from others. See also: Episode 1 (meet the candidates), Episode 2 (FTSE Fundamentals), Episode 3 (Global Indices), Episode 4 (Stocks and Shares) and Million Dollar Traders (a similar apprentice-style trading competition where the aim is to train a successful hedge fund manager). Be sure to add your comments below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/trading-academy-episode-5-trading-fx.html

Traders - Episode 1x01 - Options

2013-04-15T02:27:00.003-07:00

Traders is a Canadian television drama series shot and aired in the late 1990s. It is an interesting and entertaining TV series based on a fictional investment bank "Gardner Ross".

Season 1, Episode 1: Jack Larkin, a Vancouver-based trader with Gardner Ross, shows up at their Toronto office with a plan to move from the trading floor into corporate finance. He meets with Cedric Ross, the eponymous controlling shareholder of Gardner Ross, who initially balks at the idea of making him an investment banker but agrees to further consideration if Jack can land a coveted mining company IPO (Initial Public Offering) for firm. Jack hustles to find the location of a poker game that the owner of Graykirk Mining, Gerald Graykirk, is playing and bribes his way into the game. During the poker game Jack connects with Gerald Graykirk and, while sharing a limousine ride later, convinces him to let Gardiner Ross lead the IPO. Despite an attempt to undermine the deal by Adam, Gardner Ross leads the Graykirk IPO, taking 40% of the $300M issue but endangers its ability to survive to do so. The firm only survives the offering with some deft (and questionable) market maneuvering led by Jack and the head trader, Marty Stephens. As per his deal with Sally, Jack becomes a director of Gardner Ross.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/traders-episode-1x01-options.html

Chess Grandmaster turns hedge fund manager

2013-04-14T01:51:00.002-07:00

Ever wonder what would happen if a chess Grandmaster became a fund manager? Here's you chance to find out first hand with an Opalesque interview with Patrick Wolff. Patrick Wolff is the founder of equity long-short hedge fund Grandmaster Capital, seeded by PayPal founder Peter Thiel. His investment approach is "4 parts Warren Buffett, 1 part Peter Thiel" with a sprinkling of global macro insights. Patrick's background includes time as a chess champion, working the dot com world in Silicon Valley, and then onto work at Clarium - a global macro hedge fund. Wolff is an interesting individual and is well worth listening to.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/chess-grandmaster-turns-hedge-fund.html

Wall Street Warriors S02E04

2013-04-13T02:25:00.000-07:00

Wall Street Warriors follows the careers of a range of Wall Street professionals; across the spectrum of professions and experience levels. This is a very interesting series for those wanting to learn more about what people do on Wall Street (i.e. in the finance industry), and is must see viewing for those interested in a career in finance. This episode is from the second series of the hit Wall Street Warriors franchise.

Markets are beginning to drop and the bullish stockbroker's are feeling the pain. Brett hasn't slept in 24 hours as he prepares for a key investment meeting. Laetitia has a potentially life-changing job interview in Paris with a merchant banker. Larry plays commodities "poker" and enjoys the good-life with his family.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/wall-street-warriors-s02e04.html

Land Rush

2013-04-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

This documentary combines economics, commodities, private equity and hedge funds, with industry and demographic trends. In other words this documentary looks at how a systematic rise in agricultural prices has made it a potentially profitable venture for investors with the capital and expertise to buy up large tracts of land in Africa and transform agricultural practices to global best practice. Of course there's always room for complications, conflict, and exploitation. These issues are important and worth noting and understanding, but the idea that advanced agricultural techniques be brought to Africa to improve crop yields should be a positive. There is certainly scope for this investment to positively impact on the local economy and to provide new opportunities for the locals - indeed partnerships promise mutual benefits - but this is not a given and probably requires a good policy and regulatory setting, as well as investors that approach it as a partnership and not just a way for a quick buck.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/land-rush.html

Trading Academy - Episode 4: Stocks and Shares

2013-04-10T02:07:00.001-07:00

In the 4th week the contestants start trading individual stocks; focusing on the pairs trading technique (i.e. long one stock, short another - thereby holding a beta neutral position which gains or loses depending on the stock specific factors). For some the task of picking individual stocks becomes a bit much - with the universe of possible stocks in the thousands; whereas previously they had only a handful of instruments to trade. This episode probably mostly helps on teaching the value of focus; it's also important for emphasising the importance of developing a trading style and a trading plan. Trading strategies need to be adaptable, they need to be profitable of course, but they also need to be sustainable in that they suit the philosophy and beliefs of the trader. Watch and learn! See also: Episode 1 (meet the candidates), Episode 2 (FTSE Fundamentals), Episode 3 (Global Indices) and Million Dollar Traders (a similar apprentice-style trading competition where the aim is to train a successful hedge fund manager). Be sure to add your comments below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/trading-academy-episode-4-stocks-and.html

Richie Rich gets Richer

2013-04-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

Has the wealth gap widened through the financial crisis? As the rich have utilised their wealth and access to tax loopholes to capitalise on rebounding asset markets, their net worth has recovered, with many better off now than prior to the crisis. Meanwhile some people remain unemployed and with negative equity. Indeed it seems the luxury industry knows no downturn. See who the rich are, how they live, and how they managed to get through the crisis and gain.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/richie-rich-gets-richer.html

Trading on Thin Air

2013-04-08T02:10:00.002-07:00

This documentary provides an alternative view on the creation of a carbon credit market. While the presenters clearly have their biases, the carbon trading framework does have its limitations. However the carbon credit model is an exciting innovation that offers the prospect of harnessing the energy of the free market and the spirit of capitalism to create incentives to reduced pollution and increase investment in green projects. Indeed the concept of carbon credits actually creates a new commodity that can be traded and upon which derivative contracts can be designed. This innovative approach to environmental conservation not only promises good environmental outcomes, but can foster and promote a new set of carbon and sustainability industries; carbon traders, carbon investment banks, carbon fund managers, carbon research organisations, carbon auditors, carbon microfinance, carbon private equity, and so-on. The possibilities are there, but so are the doubts and the criticisms - as with any new thing - but challenges are no excuse to forego an opportunity.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/trading-on-thin-air.html

Wall Street Warriors S02E03

2013-04-06T12:11:00.004-07:00

Wall Street Warriors follows the careers of a range of Wall Street professionals; across the spectrum of professions and experience levels. This is a very interesting series for those wanting to learn more about what people do on Wall Street (i.e. in the finance industry), and is must see viewing for those interested in a career in finance. This episode is from the second series of the hit Wall Street Warriors franchise.

The bears have taken over Wall Street as the sub-prime mess is now in full swing. Nothing seems to be going right for the two stockbrokers who are having hard times in both the markets and on the football field. Meanwhile in Paris, Laetitia, who has been floundering for two weeks, now has to decide between two job offers. In the commodities pit, Larry has to contend with a hurricane that might strike the crops. Brett travels to the Dominican Republic to try to get a wealthy developer to invest in his fund.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/wall-street-warriors-s02e03.html

The City Uncovered - When Markets Go Mad

2013-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

This BBC documentary takes you through the so-called "madness of markets". It begins by looking at just what is a market, what role does a market and its participants serve in the economy. Essentially markets exist as a mechanism for price discovery as demand meets supply. As the prices vary, economic agents vary their behaviour and the "invisible hand" adjusts the supply-demand balance. The presenter, Evan Davis, has some interesting interviews with a range of people to get their perspectives; professors, traders, fund managers, mortgage lenders, borrowers, and investment bankers. This documentary offers a fascinating look at the role of humans (and thus the role of psychology) in markets. At the end of the day, markets are made by people, and the behaviour of prices depends as much on the behaviour of people as it does on the economic fundamentals.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/the-city-uncovered-when-markets-go-mad.html

Trading Academy - Episode 3: Global Indices

2013-04-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

In the third episode the competition is becoming stronger as the weaker traders get sent home. This week the traders focus on trading global indexes and use the 'spread betting' technique whereby you go long one related instrument e.g. one stock, and short another instrument e.g. another stock - in that example you remove market risk and retain stock specific risk. This series is an excellent way of getting up to speed with the basics of trading and also becoming aware of the pitfalls and risks as well as the challenges of mastering not only your trading system and trading style, but mastering your own trader psychology. The contestants show the learning in action, as well as getting vital tips and hints from the experts. Watch and learn! See also: Episode 1 (meet the candidates), Episode 2 (FTSE Fundamentals) and Million Dollar Traders (a similar apprentice-style trading competition where the aim is to train a successful hedge fund manager). Be sure to add your comments below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/trading-academy-episode-3-global-indices.html

Bulls & Bears - SFE

2013-04-02T02:27:00.001-07:00

This is a promo for the documentary "Bulls & Bears" - a documentary about futures traders on the old Sydney Futures Exchange (SFE - now part of the ASX, and now digitally traded following the closure of the open outcry trading pits). The documentary follows the plight of a group of local traders around the time of the Asian financial crisis; seeing what works and what doesn't in the high stakes world of futures trading. Much of the trading was interest rate futures e.g. bets on rates going up or down, or changes in the shape and structure of the yield curve. This type of trading requires large amounts of capital and can see rapid gains or losses based on global macro events, changes in sentiment, and central bank policy announcements, among other things. Note, I will try to track down the full documentary - please comment it below if you have it.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/04/bulls-bears-sfe.html

Black Wednesday - When the Pound Sterling Crashed

2013-03-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

What happened when the pound sterling crashed? Why did it crash? And what was this thing about George Soros taking on the Bank of England and winning? This documentary addresses all of these questions and more - it looks at a financial crisis which happened back in 1992. Black Wednesday referred to the day where the UK was forced to withdraw the pound or GBP from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism as the Bank of England was unable to keep the GBP exchange rate above the agreed lower limit. George Soros made over a billion dollars betting against the GBP - foreseeing it's inevitable capitulation. This crisis just goes to show the fallacy of a one-monetary-policy-fits-all approach; it also shows the futility of fighting the market, and how easy a crisis can precipitate. This event also shows how traders can make money in a crisis if they are prepared to do their homework, understand the drivers and get conviction to take a position.

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Finance Documentaries:http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/black-wednesday-when-pound-sterling.html

Going Rogue - UK

2013-03-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

The systems and processes that banks and financial institutions run are known for being burdensome and bureaucratic. But while compliance has become a growth industry, risk management in financial institutions is perhaps as hard as ever, and as we now know it is not infallible. Indeed the repeated instances of rogue traders over the years shows the risks of workers going rogue in financial institutions. Be it Nick Leeson of Barings Bank, Jerome Kerviel of Societe Generale, or the others; the rogue trader is a risk that investment banks must be ever vigilant of. But others even point to the lead up to the global financial crisis as being tantamount to systemic rogue trading, with poor loans and lax risk management as key drivers of the crisis. Also in the documentary is an ex-Goldman Sachs desk manager who left to pursue a PhD in Neuro Economics - the study of psychology in financial markets. Indeed, it could be that the culture within investment banks encourage risk taking, and has a physiological impact on male traders. See also: Rogue Trader and 25 Million Pounds

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/going-rogue-uk.html

The Tax Free Tour

2013-03-29T14:07:00.004-07:00

"Where do multinationals pay their tax, and how much?" VPRO Blacklight looks at this increasingly relevant issue of corporate tax avoidance. Indeed in the age of austerity where governments are trying hard to get their fiscal balances back in order, the issue of tax revenues is an important one - and quick gains in terms of better enforcement of existing tax laws and right-sizing tax takes is a way to improve fiscal deficits. But just how do companies get away with paying next to no tax? This documentary talks to several experts on taxation, and finds out how companies set up all manner of conduits and subsidiaries - purportedly for legitimate commercial reasons - that minimise their tax liabilities. You only need to look at the average tax rate of the top listed companies to see how much it has gone down over time as corporates get more sophisticated in structuring their operations in order to optimise tax efficiency - of course the competitive tax rates of smaller countries seeking a piece of the corporate relocations businesses also plays a role. See also: Tax Me If You Can and How the Rich Beat the Taxman

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/the-tax-free-tour.html

Trading Academy - Episode 2: FTSE Fundamentals

2013-03-28T11:56:00.003-07:00

Trading Academy is a new series from City Index that puts 8 candidates against each other and against the market in a bid to become a successful trader and take the $100,000 prize. In this episode the traders learn how to trade the FTSE 100 - a key stock index in the UK. They must learn to master their emotions while also trying to figure out a trading strategy on the fly. Each of the traders finds their own approach - some with success, some with much less success. The best lesson of this episode is about the psychological aspects; seeing in action some of the mistakes they make, and learning how to improve your own trading. See also: Episode 1 (meet the candidates) and Million Dollar Traders (a similar apprentice-style trading competition where the aim is to train a successful hedge fund manager). Be sure to add your comments below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/trading-academy-episode-2-ftse.html

Wall Street Warriors S02E02

2013-03-15T12:22:00.002-07:00

Wall Street Warriors follows the careers of a range of Wall Street professionals; across the spectrum of professions and experience levels. This is a very interesting series for those wanting to learn more about what people do on Wall Street (i.e. in the finance industry), and is must see viewing for those interested in a career in finance. This is the first episode of the second series of the hit Wall Street Warriors franchise.

While yachting in the Dominican Republic, Brett works to get a wealthy investor into his fund. Jim & Lance make a million dollar phone call while Laetitia starts her new job as a junior currency analyst. Meanwhile, Larry tries to work the floor for the opening price.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/wall-street-warriors-s02e02.html

Trading Academy - Episode 1: Meet the Candidates

2013-03-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

Trading Academy is a new series from City Index that puts 8 candidates against each other and against the market in a bid to become a successful trader and take the $100,000 prize. In this first episode we meet the traders and get a briefing on the competition. Market analysts, Ashraf Laidi (Chief Global Strategist) and James Chen (Chief Technical Strategist) are on hand to teach the traders tips on how to read the market, how to execute trades, offer tips on trading psychology, and of course grill the losing traders on why they should stay in the competition. This is a very interesting series and offers entertainment value as well as some insights on how to succeed at trading in the markets. Highly recommended viewing. See also: Million Dollar Traders (a similar apprentice-style trading competition where the aim is to train a successful hedge fund manager). Be sure to add your comments below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/trading-academy-episode-1-meet.html

Life and Debt

2013-03-08T10:57:00.002-08:00

This documentary looks at the sovereign debt crisis in Jamaica during the 1980's (one of many third world countries to run into trouble as easy foreign loans lead to wasteful spending and poor economic policy). Specifically the documentary takes a critique on the involvement of the international financial institutions; the IMF and the World Bank in working to resolve the island nation's debt crisis and efforts to put the country back on a sustainable footing. In fact the IMF and World Bank involvement attracted a lot of criticism and controversy because their rescue loans required conditionality - that the country would implement economic reforms such as trade liberalisation, privatizations, and regulation. But these structural adjustments are hard for the masses to understand and to accept and politically troublesome, so often these programs don't end up getting fully implemented. In this day and age with the European situation, it makes sense to study previous sovereign debt crises; it helps gain perspective, learn lessons from the past, and perhaps improve the way we are dealing with today's crises, and even ideas for preventing future economic disasters.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/life-and-debt.html

When Bankers Were Good

2013-03-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

This BBC documentary takes a look at a time when banks and bankers were not under the spell of the "greed is good" mantra. A time where old-timey values such as shame, prudence, and thrift prevented bankers from acting irresponsibly. But the main thing the documentary looks at is the endemic practice of philanthropy, in fact large philanthropic efforts by wealthy bankers lead a trend that resulted in philanthropy becoming the second largest household expense in Britain (of course, before it became institutionalised in the form of the welfare state). The documentary provides an interesting look at the history of banks and bankers in the UK, and probes into the question of whether modern day bankers can learn from the banking and ethical/moral practices of the past to bring in a new age of banking. Can bankers be good again?

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/when-bankers-were-good.html

Inside Americas Money Vault

2013-03-01T19:41:00.002-08:00

This documentary looks at Americas money vault - specifically, the Federal Reserve's giant underground gold bunker. The cameras follow 55 million dollars of gold into the vault and gives viewers an insight into how gold gets deposited at the US central bank. The video also takes a look at the gold dealing business, the printing of and transportation of money. The documentary also shows how the New York Federal Reserve frantically moved cash to meet withdrawals in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Also under the microscope is the design of US currency; and the ongoing combat of forgery attempts. Finally it looks at an emerging currency - "Bitcoins". Must see viewing for an interesting look at money in the USA.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/03/inside-americas-money-vault.html

In Defense of the Wall Street Bonus

2013-02-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

This short video from One Minute MBA examines the concept of bonuses on Wall Street and considers why (some) people who work in finance get paid such large bonuses. Essentially bonuses - or performance linked pay - are useful from a corporate governance, business and financial management perspective; but the impact on the wider economy is also very important. While it's easy to understand the frustrations of some people during the financial crisis on why bankers bonuses are so high, the fact is there is a good reason behind it. Of course - if you believe the matter is still open for debate we would love to hear your argument in the comments section below.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/02/in-defense-of-wall-street-bonus.html

The Money Fix - The Almighty Dollar

2013-02-16T23:18:00.001-08:00

This documentary presents an alternative view on economics and the monetary system. While it is not mainstream or generally accepted it does provide an insight into the frustrations that people have with various facets of the modern economy and monetary system. "Money is at the intersection of nearly every aspect of modern life. Most of us take the monetary system for granted, but it has a profound and largely misunderstood influence on our lives. The Money Fix is a feature-length documentary exploring our society's relationship with the almighty dollar." This documentary is probably worth watching though for understanding some of the alternative arguments, and to get an insight into the thinking of those who think the monetary system is the source of all problems. However it is quite biased and largely based on opinion. Points for rounding out the views and economic debate.

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/02/the-money-fix-almighty-dollar.html

Wall Street Warriors S01E06

2013-02-09T21:07:00.005-08:00

Wall Street Warriors follows a day in the life of the careers of a range of Wall Street professionals; across the spectrum of specialities and experience levels. This is a very interesting series for those wanting to learn more about what people do on Wall Street (i.e. in the finance/banking/investment/markets industries), and is must see viewing for those interested in a career in finance.

Season one: Episode 5
Buyers lose confidence in the market, stock prices slump: After coming up $300,000 short, Tim loses one of his top investors, not to mention his notorious temper. Sandra is more than a little impressed by the co-founder of the Quantum Fund. Sporting a hedge fund with a 4000% return is proof that portfolio size does matter.

Street Talk:
--Naked Short: When you sell short a security that you haven't properly borrowed

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Finance Documentaries: http://www.financedocumentaries.com/2013/02/wall-street-warriors-s01e06.html