Introduction to Global Financial Markets

Stephen Valdez is a retired financial trainer and consultant and is the former Director of Profile Financial Training Plc. He formed Valdez Financial Training in 1985 to provide simple introductory courses on financial markets. The courses were used around the world by major banks, financial institutions, software houses and information providers. The company was later sold to The Financial Training Co. Ltd. with Stephen Valdez acting as consultant. Professor Philip Molyneux is Head of Bangor Business School, Professor in Banking and Finance and Director of the Institute of European Finance at Bangor University, UK. He previously held the Special Chair of Financial Services and Financial Conglomerates at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands, and was Visiting Professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. He has published a variety of texts on banking areas and acted as a consultant to New York Federal Reserve Bank, the World Bank, the European Commission, the UK Treasury, Citibank Private Bank, Bermuda Commercial Bank, McKinsey& co, Credit Suisse and various other international banks and consulting firms.

• PART I: INTRODUCTION1. The Money Merry-go-roundPART II: BANKING2. Banking Background3. The Role of the Central Bank4. Commercial Banking5. Investment Banking6. RegulationPART III: SECURITIES MARKETS AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES7. The Money and Bond Markets8. Equity Markets9. Hedge Funds and Private EquityPART IV: FINANCIAL CRISIS10. Financial CrisisPART V: FOREIGN EXCHANGE, EUROPE AND THE EUROZONE11. Foreign Exchange12. Europe and the EurozonePART VI: DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS13. Traded Options14. Financial Futures15. Other Derivative ProductsPART VII: Emerging and Growth-leading Economies (EAGLEs)16. Emerging and Growth-leading Economies (EAGLEs)PART VIII: TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS17. Key TrendsGlossaryIndex.

'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