Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code and means for creating and administering a publicly traded interest in a commodity pool include forming a commodity pool having a first position in a futures contract and a corresponding second position in a margin investment, and issuing equity interests of the commodity pool to third party investors.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating changes in volatility for a price of a particular option on an underlying financial instrument is disclosed. A volatility surface model having at least one surface parameter is provided along with a set of volatilities for a plurality of options on the underlying financial instrument. The set of volatilities is analyzed to determine an initial value for each surface parameter which, when used in the surface model, defines a surface approximating the set of volatilities. The values of the surface parameters are then evolved using an appropriate evolution function. A volatility value for a particular option is extracted from the volatility surface defined by the evolved surface parameter values. The extracted volatility value can then be used in an option pricing model to provide a price of the particular option.

Abstract: A system for delivering data objects containing data subject to periodic updates to a plurality of clients is disclosed and which is configured to connect to at least one input data stream which carries a specific type of data objects, such as objects related to financial product offerings, and also establish a communication session with various clients. Each client has an associated profile which indicates data stream to which the client has subscribed and further contains rules related to how data in the streams should be treated. When an object is received on a data stream, a local data cache is updated and the rules specified by clients subscribing to that data stream are executed to determine whether information about the object should be forward to the various subscribing client.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for tracking orders implemented on a trading floor exchange is disclosed. The system is order-centric and is configured to route orders to a booth and floor broker in accordance with a symbol associated with the particular security being traded. Floor brokers communicate with the trading system through handheld devices connected to a handheld server via a wireless interface. A specific protocol for messaging protocol for communications between the handheld devices and the handheld server is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for providing, accessing and editing content intended for publication or dissemination. A client-server architecture is provided in the preferred embodiments which provides User Types (Internal Users and External Users) with various Content Types and Content Subtypes through various dissemination channels. The User Types provide, access and edit the Content Types. In the preferred embodiments, the Internal User User Type provides almost all the Content Types, with limited contributions by External User User Types. User Types comprise Content Providers, Content Reviewers, Editors, Approvers, and possibly others.

Abstract: Computer systems may be instrumented using a minimally invasive API that allows the execution time of every task in an application to be measured and transactional information to be tagged to the measurement or timing data. Preferably, the measurement data is also associated with related measurement data from other components or systems of the same business entity in order to give precise latency data and statistics for transactions that involve more then one segment of a business' operations.

Abstract: This invention presents a method for pricing an option. The steps for this method include configuring a general option pricing model with parameters to conform the model to a market behavior of an underlying asset. A price for an option is then calculated using the model. The configured model can be calibrated to implied volatility data describing the current state of the market. The underlying asset can include commodity prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates. More than one general option pricing models can be used to price the option. Additionally, correlations between the general option pricing models can be included in the calculation.

Abstract: An application program interface (API) for use in monitoring a computer application executed on a computer system. The API includes software code added to the computer application for assigning a single general reference to characteristic transactional information associated with a transaction to be executed by the computer application. The API further includes an agent for marking the time at which the software code is executed and tagging that time with the characteristic transactional information as the characteristic transactional information is being currently processed by the computer application. The API and its method of operation provide precise measurement of the latency of information flowing through the computer system while being uncomplicated in design and implementation, minimally invasive, and highly scalable.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing risk management for online transactions. An exchange price for a foreign currency relative to a base currency is entered into a host computer. The host computer will also receive data descriptive of one or more transactions involving the foreign currency that occurred within a predetermined time period. The data will include a transaction amount. Currency is exchanged according to the entered price and the transaction amounts contained in the data. A risk exposure for the predetermined time period can be calculated based upon an aggregate amount of currency involved in transactions during the predetermined time period. The risk exposure can be based upon market data relating to the price of the foreign currency. The present invention can be implemented to capture each transaction amount that relates to a sale occurring on an e-commerce site. Currency is automatically exchanged at the price entered for the local currency.

Abstract: A fuel purchase incentive is provided incident to the sale of a vehicle. With respect to the sale of an automobile, the incentive consists of a program price, for example a discount price or a capped maximum price, for a specified quantity of a specified brand and type of gasoline. The incentive is calculated as a function of the anticipated geographical and other use factors of the automobile buyer. The incentive information is provided to the buyer at the time of purchase of the automobile and stored for use by an incentive program operator. When the buyer purchases gasoline pursuant to the incentive program, that is of a specified brand, grade and quantity, the purchase information is transmitted to the incentive program operator. A rebate, equal generally to the difference between the retail price and the program price, is calculated and transmitted to a credit card processor for application to a credit card bill.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a subpoena via an electronic subpoena service. The electronic delivery can constitute legal service of the subpoena or be accompanied by hardcopy service. Utilization of a system to serve subpoenas can provide timely and efficient service with an automated audit trail. The system can enable broad service with confirmed identification of relevant parties to be served. An automated search of electronic records provides uniform search criteria for compliance, even with multiple locations and subsidiaries, including foreign subsidiaries. Ongoing searching via real time monitoring of accounts, credit, entities, wire transfer and other activities also provides a level of detail and uniformity heretofore unavailable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate access to documents via associated tags. According to one embodiment, a first document tag is initially assigned to a document. For example, an author may review a document and indicate which document tag should be assigned to the document. An associated tag for the document is then automatically determined based on the first document tag. For example, a pre-determined tag association may be used to determine the associated tag based on the first document tag. The author may then review the associated tag to determine whether or not the associated tag should be also assigned to the document.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for data storage and retrieval. According to some embodiments, data storage pursuant to the present invention includes receiving document information associated with a document to be stored. A pending record containing the document information is generated. The document information is verified, and an active record is generated if the verifying is successful.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to implement risk management of foreign exchange of currency related to an online transaction. According to the present invention an exchange price and a tolerance parameter can be determined for a foreign currency as the foreign currency relates to a base currency. A computer system can receive a spot price relating to a market price for exchange of a foreign currency and compare the spot price with the tolerance parameter. The system can modify the exchange price if spot price exceeds the tolerance parameter. In addition, the system can receive information including the base currency amount involved in an online transaction and transmit the base currency amount and the foreign currency amount, wherein the foreign currency amount is derived according to the exchange price.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hedging a deferred compensation liability. In one embodiment, the invention may provide a mechanism to hedge the compensation expense liabilities of an employer providing deferred compensation to one or more employees.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for interacting with a user of a trading computer includes forming a number of ticker pages, simultaneously displaying ticker page selection elements, and displaying one of the ticker pages based on an input identifying one of the page selection elements. Each ticker page includes trade order information for a negotiable item (such as a stock or other equity) and each ticker page selection element is associated with one of the ticker pages. A trading computer includes a screen that can operate as both an output display and an input digitizer and a processor coupled to the screen and to a memory. The memory includes instructions for causing the processor to form and display ticker pages on the screen. Each ticker page includes trade order information for a different negotiable item. A currently displayed ticker page may be determined based on a selection of a ticker page selection elements.

Abstract: A computerized order centric method and system for tracking orders implemented on a trading floor exchange. The system automatically routes orders to a booth and a floor broker according to a symbol associated with the particular security being traded. The method for processing an order for a security on the floor of an exchange includes representing a security with a symbol and allocating a set of symbols to a booth. In addition a set of symbols is allocated to a floor broker ID. An order, relating to a symbol is entered into a computer and transmitting to a computer server. The order is routed through the server to a computerized booth station associated with the booth to which the order symbol had been allocated. In addition, the order is routed through the server to the floor broker ID to which the symbol associated with the order has been allocated. Typically the floor broker ID is logged into a computerized handheld device.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for automated trading of fixed income securities which enables institutional investors, broker dealers and others, to transact directly and anonymously for the purpose of trading investment grade, high yield corporate bonds, municipal bonds or other fixed income securities. A financial institution acting as a Fixed Income Securities system sponsor can act as counterparty to transactions, from trade execution through settlement, and can also serve as a credit intermediary. Computer systems are utilized in conjunction with an electronic communications network to facilitate such fixed income security trading activities. Software routines can direct a trader to various fixed income securities available according to specific criteria put forth by the trader. Software routines can also provide information and services related to the automated trading of fixed income securities.