Describing the various financial sectors in clear and easy-to-understand terms, this book reflects the fact that the world is moving towards a single global market and provides a broad and balanced introduction to financial markets across the world. This fourth edition has been updated to cover developments in the field. These include the impact of September 11th and the relative collapse of the world stock markets; new capital ratios for banks; current retail banking developments; the results of the latest world FX survey; the problems faced by the European Economic Union; attempts to reform Lloyd's of London and a review of current trends. Providing comprehensive coverage of commercial and investment banking, foreign exchange, money and bond markets, trade finance, stock markets and options, futures and other derivatives, this book provides a primer for those who require a basic understanding or are new to the world of finance.

Table of Contents

Introduction - Banking - The Role of the Central Bank - Commercial Banking - Investment Banking - Securities Markets - Stock Exchanges - Foreign Exchange and International Trade - Trade Finance - European Economic and Monetary Union - Derivative Products - Financial Futures - Other Derivative Products - Insurance - The Periodic Global Crisis - Trends in the Global Financial Markets

About the Author

STEPHEN VALDEZ is a Financial Training Consultant with Julian Wood.

Prizes

STEPHEN VALDEZ is a Financial Training Consultant with Julian Wood.

Reviews

"This is a very broad and well-written introduction to Global Finance. Very up-to-date and very useful."--N. Dattini, London Guildhall University
"Very comprehensive, clearly-written and the breadth of coverage is very impressive."--A. Thomas, University of Liverpool