Abstract: In at least one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising creating, based on specified rules, an index of asset-backed floating rate securities categorized into a plurality of asset classes; and pricing the index according to a matrix pricing method. In at least one other aspect, the invention comprises an index of asset-backed floating rate securities categorized into a plurality of asset classes, wherein the index is created based on specified rules and priced according to a matrix pricing method. In at least one other aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising participating in a total return swap on an index of asset-backed floating rate securities categorized into a plurality of asset classes, wherein the index has been created based on specified rules and priced according to a matrix pricing method.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, the invention comprises constructing one or more hybrid adjustable rate mortgage aggregates based on one or more of: agency, program, coupon, and origination year; for each of one or more of the aggregates, constructing one or more sub-aggregates based on one or more of: rate-index, capitalization structure, and existence of interest-only feature; mapping pools of adjustable rate mortgages to the aggregates and sub-aggregates; constructing an index based on the mapping; and pricing the index.

Abstract: There is provided a method of marketing financial instruments. The method includes offering a discount certificate and a put certificate at the same time by a single issuer. The put certificate is tailored to the discount certificate so that when held at the same time, the certificates provide a particular return even if the discount certificate decreases in value.

Abstract: A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) proxy server is described. The VoIP proxy server is placed in a DMZ of a company's secure internal communication network. The VoIP proxy server receives VoIP control messages and VoIP media streams and based on the MAC address and source IP address contained in the control message, pushes a policy change to the internal network's external firewall to open call control protocol ports and Real Time Protocol (RTP) ports only for packets from the source IP address. The VoIP proxy server manages the hiding of the company's internal network address and directs incoming VoIP packets to an IP-PBX connected to the company's internal network.

Abstract: In at one aspect, the invention comprises an interactive software toolkit for creating custom trading strategies. Traders are provided with the ability to easily construct hybrid strategies using automated trading and event building blocks: (a) trading algorithms (for example, so-called “percentage of volume” algorithms and algorithms designed to minimize the difference between average executed price and standardized benchmarks such as volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”)); (b) intelligent “sweeps” (automated trading actions designed to rapidly execute a specified number of shares); and (c) event triggers (time-, price-, spread-, depth-based, or based on other real-time market data or on current order status). Traders can create and store a set of custom strategies tailored to specific order types or trading styles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for selecting winners and losers based on their market position using a volume/turnover filter. Using the present tool, investors may predict when to hold some stocks long and others short over various time period, thereby maximizing the profitability of a portfolio.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention permits users of trading algorithms to jointly achieve the objectives described above, namely: (a) permit access to trading algorithms of (arbitrary) complexity without requiring proprietary protocol extensions; (b) allow users to easily identify and store one or more sets of dynamic vs. static parameters (and related details, including user interface layout); and (c) allow any given pre-defined set of parameters to be easily invoked and used to submit orders. In another aspect, the invention comprises a computer system comprising: (a) an authoring tool operable to enable a user to design custom trading strategies and create interface definitions; and (b) a pre-processor operable to receive a custom strategy order message delivered via a standard protocol, load an definition for a corresponding custom strategy, enrich the order message based on the definition, and pass the enriched message to a trading strategy destination.

Abstract: An attribute engine matches incoming data against one or more matching attributes to set one or more target attributes of one or more rules. Each rule is characterized by a rule shape and a matchset. A template is defined for each rule shape and target attribute. Templates associated with a target attribute are sorted according to their matchsets and may be suppressed by one or more rule suppression principles. A rules editor is provided that allows support personnel to edit rules in tabular form instead of directly editing pseudo-code segments.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising issuing perpetual preferred securities that provide non-cumulative dividends with a fixed liquidation preference; wherein valuation of the securities upon redemption or conversion is based on market value of a specified number of common shares, and wherein the securities are operable to receive treasury stock method accounting. In various embodiments: (1) the securities receive C or D Basket treatment from Moody's; (2) the securities receive treasury stock method accounting because, upon conversion or redemption, common shares are issued only with respect to the valuation of the securities in excess of the fixed liquidation preference; and (3) upon conversion or redemption the number of common shares is equal to (A×B?C)/B, where A=a conversion rate, B=price per share of the common shares, and C=the fixed liquidation preference.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) forming a limited liability company (“ULLC”) operable to issue LLC preferred securities; (b) forming a trust operable to issue trust preferred securities and to purchase LLC preferred securities from the LLC; and (c) issuing subordinated notes with at least a 30-year maturity to the LLC. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) forming a trust operable to issue trust preferred securities and to purchase LLC preferred securities; and (b) receiving over the computer network subordinated notes with a maturity of at least 30 years from a parent. In another aspect, the invention comprises a security that: (a) is tax deductible, and (b) receives equity credit above 50% from Moody's and S&P.

Abstract: A financial investment product that allows an investor to take leveraged exposure to a customized, dynamic pool of credits and earn an enhanced yield. The product consists of a special purpose vehicle, such as a trust, containing one or more underlying assets and a portfolio of diversified credit default swaps. The notional of the outstanding portfolio of default swaps is a multiple of the notional of securities issued by the trust, which creates the leverage. The leverage is non-recourse to the investor and can be either increased or decreased during the life of the trade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for estimating a pre-trade implementation shortfall for financial instruments. Through evaluating a number of factors, including the size of the order, the average daily volume of the stock, the average bid-ask spread of the stock, the volatility of the stock and the exchange on which the stock trades, the present invention estimates the cost of a trade. Using the disclosed system and method, a trader or fund manager may determine when and how to implement trades of varying size.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a computer system comprising means for displaying on a computer screen a chart illustrating level and volatility of a projected accounting performance based on a plurality of possible future interest rates, wherein the chart comprises a 50th percentile line, a 95th percentile line, and a 5th percentile line, and wherein the 50th percentile line, 95th percentile line, and 5th percentile line represent probability distribution over time of the projected accounting performance. In various embodiments: (1) for each of the one or more vertical bars, the uppermost dot represents a 95% best case for projected accounting performance and the lowermost dot represents a 95% worst case for projected accounting performance; and (2) the projected accounting performance comprises one or more of: net interest margin, interest expense, interest income, and present value.

Abstract: A system and method for adding voice capability to an existing computer network having non-voice-ready routers is described. A radio broadcasting base station is connected to a voice activated relay, such that the relay activates or switches to a broadcast mode of the base station when a voice signal is received from the router.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an interface providing a model-driven projection of various order execution statistics based on the exact strategy (channel, algorithm, and parameters) that is selected by a user. In at least one embodiment, the interface is linked to at least order execution system and comprises an order execution display. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a computer system operable to display a graphical user interface comprising (a) a pre-trade analysis component for displaying market intelligence information regarding one or more specified securities; and (b) a strategy selection component for displaying order execution strategies for selection by a user and that comprises (i) an order execution component for routing a selected order execution strategy to an order execution system; (ii) an interface for enabling a user to specify trading strategies and strategy requirements; and (iii) a display for displaying projected order completion information.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises entering into an agreement with a borrower to provide a loan of a specified amount on a specified date, wherein the agreement further specifies a fixed rate and a spread; and on the specified date specifying whether the borrower must pay a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or pay a floating coupon based on the spread. In another aspect, the invention comprises an agreement between a lender and a borrower whereby the lender provides to the borrower a loan of a specified amount on a specified date; a fixed rate and a spread are specified; and the borrower receives the specified amount on the specified date, and during the term pays, at lender's option to be specified on the specified date, either a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or a floating coupon at a floating rate based on the spread.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, the invention comprises a method for replicating a first index, comprising: constructing a basket of derivative financial instruments selected to replicate said index; wherein said basket of derivative financial instruments is constructed using key rate duration matching based on a plurality of instruments, and wherein said basket is reconstructed on a periodic basis approximately equal to that on which said index is reconstructed. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method for replicating a portfolio of securities, comprising: constructing a basket of derivative financial instruments selected to replicate said portfolio; wherein said basket of derivative financial instruments is constructed using key rate duration matching based on a plurality of instruments, and wherein said basket is reconstructed on a periodic basis approximately equal to that on which said portfolio is reconstructed.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a publisher to create a document series, associate a document with a document series and present to an end-user a series nugget displaying at least one document associated with the document series. Document series information may be inherited by each document in the document series. Document series information is stored in an asset database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for estimating a pre-trade implementation shortfall for financial instruments. Through evaluating a number of factors, including the size of the order, the average daily volume of the stock, the average bid-ask spread of the stock, the volatility of the stock and the exchange on which the stock trades, the present invention estimates the cost of a trade. Using the disclosed system and method, a trader or fund manager may determine when and how to implement trades of varying size.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (1) selling a note to an investor for a specified amount; and (2) using proceeds from selling the note to purchase (a) one or more zero coupon municipal bonds, and (b) an option on at least one of the group comprising: a hedge fund, a fund of funds, and a hedge fund index; wherein the note entitles the investor to substantially all of the returns on the one or more bonds and on the option, wherein the one or more bonds are configured to provide a return substantially equal to the specified amount, and wherein the option is a European option. This option can be a variable option.