The Fear Index

Book Review by Ivor Kindle
Title: The Fear Index Author: Robert Harris Publisher: Arrow
I picked up this book firstly due to the author, who I always enjoy, and secondly due to the fact that the underlying driver of the storyline is a much mentioned "algorithm".I picked up this book firstly due to the author, who I always enjoy, and secondly due to the fact that the underlying driver of the storyline is a much mentioned "algorithm".
The story contemplates that a machine led intelligence can, and in fact does, control the everyday matters of a large Hedge Fund. The machine interjects in a different way than a human being would when attempting to make money... human fear is discounted as being irrational and the only function that matters is the making of money - principles, and what is proper is not taken into consideration. The only goal is money. The market is explained and some useful money market terms are mentioned. The story line follows a mathematical genius as he becomes involved, and ultimately almost part of the machine code of the artificial intelligence that he has created.
A good read with a good theme and an interesting subject matter.
Easy late summer reading.
Keep reading, Ivor Kindle.