HTC

What book would be useful for learning matlab by yourself? I have some programming experiences before (took courses in java, PL/SQL in undergrad). What book would be right for me?

I am currently in econ phd program and want to get a job in the financial sector after graduation. The department here let students take finance courses (like asset pricing) in the business school, but does not have anyone doing finance. So basically I can take courses, but doubt that I can write dissertation in it. So my question is, do financial firms (investment bank, hedge funds) only hire phd econ if he has deep financial background (major and write dissertation in finance), or the other qualities (quantitative skills, research skills, analytical skills...) are more important. From my understanding, financial firms, especially hedge funds, hire phds as long as they have some financial background and strong quantitative skills. But I want to hear from people who have been in the industry. Also how difficult would it be to get the job, assuming that you are not from top 20

Is there anybody in here have already taken Asset Pricing as one of their field courses? What other fields in economics is Asset Pricing most closely related too? I am first year phd student and thinking about what courses to take next year. From online lecture notes, I have the feeling that it looks like macro. Any advice?