Abstract: Embodiments are directed to tiered data store with persistent layers. A write tier in the file system for storing in a file system. A value for a performance metric that corresponds to write requests to the file system may be predicted based on characteristics of the write requests such that the performance metric may be determined based on a plurality of interactions with the write tier. The predicted value that exceeds a threshold value of the performance metric may be employed to cause performance of further actions, including: queuing a portion of the write requests in a memory buffer based on the predicted value and the threshold value; combining the queued portion of the write requests into s; storing the data segments in the write tier such that a measured value of the performance metric may be less than the threshold value.

Abstract: An system for and method of repurchasing stock is presented. The system and method improve upon prior art techniques by limiting risk to an investment bank that enables an accelerated stock repurchase. More particularly, such risk is reduced in the event that the repurchasing company announces higher than expected dividends on the stock during the term of the accelerated repurchase transaction.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing a forward contract with an upside return and the possibility of early valuation are presented. The prices of the underlying financial instruments are allowed to float to a limited extent. Moreover, the party taking the short position is allowed to cash out early, without having to unwind the entire contract. The contact may be used, for example, by a corporation that wishes to raise capital using equity instruments.

Abstract: An system for and method of repurchasing stock is presented. The system and method improve upon prior art techniques by limiting risk to an investment bank that enables an accelerated stock repurchase. More particularly, such risk is reduced in the event that the repurchasing company announces higher than expected dividends on the stock during the term of the accelerated repurchase transaction.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing a forward contract with an upside return and the possibility of early valuation are presented. The prices of the underlying financial instruments are allowed to float to a limited extent. Moreover, the party taking the short position is allowed to cash out early, without having to unwind the entire contract. The contact may be used, for example, by a corporation that wishes to raise capital using equity instruments.

Abstract: An system for and method of repurchasing stock is presented. The system and method improve upon prior art techniques by limiting risk to an investment bank that enables an accelerated stock repurchase. More particularly, such risk is reduced in the event that the repurchasing company announces higher than expected dividends on the stock during the term of the accelerated repurchase transaction.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing a forward contract with an upside return and the possibility of early valuation are presented. The prices of the underlying financial instruments are allowed to float to a limited extent. Moreover, the party taking the short position is allowed to cash out early, without having to unwind the entire contract. The contact may be used, for example, by a corporation that wishes to raise capital using equity instruments.

Abstract: A bond comprises a coupon component that pays a periodic coupon during a first predetermined period of time until a maturity date of the coupon component without payment of any principal. The bond also comprises a call option component. The coupon and call option components are issued together in an initial issue of the bond. After the initial issue, the bond allows separation of the coupon component from the call option component and individual transfer of the coupon component and the call option component.

Abstract: A financial instrument comprises a condition wherein a first party agrees to deliver a number of first securities to a second party at a first time. The financial instrument further comprises a condition wherein the second party agrees to deliver a first amount to the first party at the first time. The financial instrument further comprises a condition wherein the first party agrees to repurchase the first securities from the second party at a second time. The financial instrument further comprises a conversion option, and a condition wherein the first party agrees to pay an option value at the second time, wherein the option value is an in-the-money value of the conversion option.

Abstract: A bond comprises a coupon component that pays a periodic coupon during a first predetermined period of time until a maturity date of the coupon component without payment of any principal. The bond also comprises a call option component. The coupon and call option components are issued together in an initial issue of the bond. After the initial issue, the bond allows separation of the coupon component from the call option component and individual transfer of the coupon component and the call option component.