An accessible but comprehensive guide to the world of finance and financial markets. Taking an international approach, the authors examine the different types of banking and markets around the world, and cover foreign exchange and derivative products. This edition is right up to date and incorporates recent events and developments in finance.

PART I: INTRODUCTION 1. The Money Merry-go-round PART II: BANKING 2. Banking Background 3. The Role of the Central Bank 4. Commercial Banking 5. Investment Banking 6. Regulation PART III: SECURITIES MARKETS AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES 7. The Money and Bond Markets 8. Equity Markets 9. Hedge Funds and Private Equity PART IV: FINANCIAL CRISIS 10. Financial Crisis PART V: FOREIGN EXCHANGE, EUROPE AND THE EUROZONE 11. Foreign Exchange 12. Europe and the Eurozone PART VI: DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS 13. Traded Options 14. Financial Futures 15. Other Derivative Products PART VII: Emerging and Growth-leading Economies (EAGLEs) 16. Emerging and Growth-leading Economies (EAGLEs) PART VIII: TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS 17. Key Trends Glossary Index.

'The 8th edition of An Introduction to Global Financial Markets is a concise and insightful introduction to the workings of financial markets, products and institutions. This book is essential reading for students and finance professionals who wish to familiarise themselves with the workings of financial markets and institutions in an intuitive and yet comprehensive manner'. Jens Hagendorff, Martin Currie Professor of Finance & Investment, University of Edinburgh Business School, University of Edinburgh, UK 'This 8th edition of An Introduction to Global Financial Markets by Valdez and Molyneux is a much appreciated guide to better understand contemporary financial markets, institutions and regulators around the globe. Its clear and concise language makes it a valuable asset for both students and practitioners alike. Anyone embarking on an analysis of finance and financial markets against the backdrop of recent and ongoing crises and regulatory responses should resort to this comprehensive yet to-the-point book'. Michael Koetter, Professor of Banking and Finance, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Frankfurt, Germany 'We are limited as to how many books we can read, but we do have the privilege of the right choice. Presenting the vocational aspects of modern financial markets, without sacrificing academic rigour is an art that most aim to strike. When this is combined with a very insightful way of the mechanics of global finance, then this becomes a masterpiece that everyone should read. This is what the latest edition of the book An Introduction to Global Financial Markets is all about'. Sotiris K. Staikouras, Cass Business School, City University London, UK 'I welcome this well-revised edition of this highly successful book. Its authors combine world-class scholarship with the highest level of real-world knowledge and experience. Their book not surprisingly therefore continues to be a most reliable guide for students that dare to venture into the bewildering (and at times bewitching) landscape of global financial markets'. Steven Ongena, Professor of Banking, University of Zurich, Swiss Finance Institute, Switzerland and CEPR, UK 'This is an excellent introductory text, full of information, written with great clarity and in a style that will make it readily accessible and understandable for students'. Graham Partington, Chair of the Finance Discipline, University of Sydney, Australia 'The eighth edition of An Introduction to Global Financial Markets is a must-read for those beginning to study finance and an essential reference for advanced students of the topic. The coverage of the recent financial crisis is fantastic and provides a thorough update of all the data, markets, institutions and financial instruments that played a role in the crisis'. Allen N. Berger, H. Montague Osteen, Jr., Professor in Banking and Finance, Carolina Distinguished Professor, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, US 'The new edition of Valdez and Molyneux's book An Introduction to Global Financial Markets is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the functioning of banking and financial sectors. The eighth edition offers another substantial update, making the discussion of current topics really up to date and useful to understand the momentous changes in banking and financial markets. I highly recommend it'. Barbara Casu, Reader in Banking, Cass Business School, City University London, UK 'This updated edition remains essential reading for anyone studying how global financial markets operate and, more importantly, looking for insights as to how they may work in the future. An indispensable resource for all finance professionals'. Simon Thompson, Chief Executive, Chartered Banker Institute, UK 'Having taught courses on financial markets and institutions over the last 15 years, this book has become the perfect tool to provide an attractive and updated picture of nowadays' financial system structure and challenges not only to students but also for practitioners and all readers interested in knowing more about the financial side of the world. It is a fascinating and thoroughly readable guide'. Francisco Rodriguez-Fernandez, Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Granada, Spain 'Valdez and Molyneux provide a comprehensive and accessible analysis of the evolution of global financial markets. Through careful use of background references and data, the authors provide an extensive coverage of historical and recent events and the resultant impact on the global financial system. This book is essential reading for those wishing to get to grips with the structure and workings of the modern financial system'. John O.S. Wilson, Professor of Banking & Finance and Director for the Centre of Responsible Banking & Finance, University of St Andrews, UK