David J. Merkel, CFA, FSA, is a leading commentator at RealMoney.com. He writes on equity and bond portfolio management, macroeconomics, derivatives, quantitative strategies, insurance issues, corporate governance, and more. His specialty is looking at the interlinkages in the markets in order to understand individual markets better.

Until 2007, Merkel was a senior investment analyst at Hovde Capital, responsible for analysis and valuation of investment opportunities for the FIP funds, particularly of companies in the insurance industry. He also managed the internal profit sharing and charitable endowment monies of the firm.

Prior to joining Hovde in 2003, Merkel managed corporate bonds for Dwight Asset Management. In 1998, he joined the Mount Washington Investment Group as the Mortgage Bond and Asset Liability manager after working with Provident Mutual, AIG and Pacific Standard Life.

Merkel holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Johns Hopkins University. In his spare time, he takes care of his eight children with his wonderful wife Ruth.

Visit his site: The Aleph Blog