A scientist figures out how to use a revolutionary system of computer algorithms to trade on the world's financial markets. His hedge fund, which is built around the standard measure of market volatility - called the Fear Index - reaps huge returns. Late one night while he's asleep with his wife in their house beside Lake Geneva, an intruder awakens them. Over the course of a day, the scientist needs to figure out who's trying to destroy him as the world's financial markets teeter on collapse.