Via The Rise of Machines There is another interesting difference that is worth pondering. Consider the problem of estimating a mixture of Gaussians. In Statistics we think of this as a solved problem. You use, for example, maximum likelihood which is implemented by the EM algorithm. But the EM algorithm does not solve the problem. There is no guarantee that the EM algorithm will actually find the MLE; it’s a shot in the dark.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk9S3RTAl38?rel=0]

“We work to become, not to acquire.” - Elbert Hubbard

Here is a detailed book summary Takeaway : I think this book needs to be read after having some understanding of BUGS software and also having some R/S programming skills. That familiarity can help you simulate and check for yourself the various results and graphs, the author uses to illustrate Bayesian concepts. The book starts by explaining the essence of any econometric model and the way in which an econometrician has to put in assumptions to obtain posterior distribution of various parameters.

Via Reuters: High-speed trader Infinium Capital Management, which has struggled financially, has stopped trading and is working to wind down the company, President Mark Palchak told Reuters on Thursday. The closure of Chicago-based Infinium reflects pressures on high-speed trading firms stemming from increased competition and regulatory oversight, low interest rates that have hurt volume and volatility, and the uncertain global economic recovery. Currency broker FXCM Inc and a subsidiary have acquired five trading desks, physical assets and 48 employees from Infinium to start a new joint venture, V3 Markets, Palchak and FXCM said.