An Introduction to Global Financial Markets [Paperback]

'For the next 20 years, the most important feature of any financial market text will be its treatment of the worldwide financial crisis of 2007-2009. And in my view, the very best feature of Valdez and Molyneux is that readers can get to this material quickly—after just a handful of requisite chapters on the basics of markets and institutions—so that important financial market issues can be discussed in full light of this historic and nearly catastrophic financial episode. The details, the causes, and the near-term consequences of the crisis are all here, and they are presented, as is all of the material in this book, in friendly and highly readable fashion. I especially recommend this book to readers who want (need) a non-US-centric perspective on global financial markets and the fallout from a US-bred crisis.' - Robert DeYoung, Capitol Federal Chair in Financial Markets and Institutions, The University of Kansas

'A book that no international banker or banking academic should miss if he/she wants to stay up to date on banking developments on a rapidly changing banking landscape worldwide.' - Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Chief Economist for Emerging Markets, Economic Research, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA), Hong Kong Branch
 
'Well done to the authors: a great overview of the global financial system: understandable, comprehensive and very up to date.' - David Marqués Ibañez, European Central Bank, Financial Research Division, Frankfurt, Germany

'This 6th 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, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, USA
 
'Valdez and Molyneux's book is without competitor. There are two main reasons for its growing success: it is complete, up-to-date and of a truly global scope; and it is written in a limpid and lively way. Furthermore the new chapter on the subprime crisis and its developments represents an invaluable synthesis. This book definitely provides the best introduction to the study of world financial markets.' - Francis Bismans, Professor in Economics and Finance, BETA and University of Nancy, France

'An excellent overview of international financial markets providing a valuable information source for both students and practitioners. Content is up to date with clear examples from a wide range of markets, and a succinct analysis of the recent financial crisis.' - Scott Goddard, Associate Director and specialist in International Finance, Nottingham University Business School, UK
 
'An Introduction to Global Financial Markets provides a comprehensive and inspiring introduction to global financial sectors and a thought-provoking description of major international financial activities. The new edition of the book is further completed with an objective yet insightful account of the recent financial crisis, conveying important information and implications to markets participants and policymakers around the world.' - Dr. Ruijun Bu, Lecturer in Economics, University of Liverpool Management School, UK, and Visiting Fellow in Finance, Bendheim Center for Finance, Princeton University, USA
 
'Valdez and Molyneux provide an excellent introduction to the modern global financial markets. No prior knowledge is required and the book is clearly written. The authors cover a wide range of topics that includes the role of central banks, investment banks, bond, equity and derivatives markets. They also discuss the rising superpowers of India and China, the credit crunch and the emerging trends in finance after the credit crisis. Overall the book is a first rate introduction to the finance world for undergraduate students of business studies and professionals who want to get the broad picture.' - Konstantinos Tolikas, Lecturer in Finance, Cardiff Business School, UK
 
'If the 4 "C's" of writing didn't exist, Valdez and Molyneux would have invented them. Their new edition of '...Global Financial Markets' is clear, correct, comprehensive and still concise. The book links complex financial products and up-to-date practices to conceptually sound pedagogical structures.' - Marc De Ceuster, Professor of Finance at the Universiteit Antwerpen& Universiteit Antwerpen Management School, Belgium
 
'Greatly welcomed, providing an authoritative, up-to-date and comprehensive introduction to the world's financial institutions and markets. The new edition is particularly welcome as it has successfully incorporated the nature and likely consequences of the recent global turmoil on financial markets. Its very wide coverage - with relevant information on Europe, Asia and North America - and its easily accessible language and layout, make it particularly attractive as a text to recommend to students.' - Mike Collins, Professor of Financial History, Leeds University Business School, UK
 
'This is one of the most informative and user friendly texts that examines the integration between, and the operational complexities of, banking, financial markets and financial risk; more specifically it explains how excessive risk taking by established and non-traditional financial institutions led to the breakdown in the financial markets that we know today as the credit crunch.' - Brian Scroggie, Lecturer in Treasury, Banking and Financial Markets, Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University, UK

'I have been using this as my main text for Financial Services for over 10 years and this latest edition improves an already excellent text book on the global financial markets and institutions with which we are all becoming so aware of, especially given the recent financial crisis. The easy to follow writing style and excellent explanations of complex markets and financial products mean the text is suitable for both non-finance specialists as well as finance students.' - Dr Brian Boyd, Lecturer in Finance, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland

'This edition of An introduction to Global Financial Markets offers a first class guide to the subject. As ever, the Valdez book provides a practical and concise discussion which will be invaluable for anyone wanting to learn more about how financial markets actually work in practice. Whenever I have a student asking how they should prepare for an interview for a graduate investment banking place I always tell them to go away and read Valdez from cover to cover.' - Kevin Boakes, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Law, Kingston University London, UK

'This edition provides a comprehensive and interesting coverage of a massive and constantly changing subject area. It should prove a relevant and accessible reference book for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as finance professionals.' - Dr. John Cooper, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economic Studies & International Business, Glasgow Caledonian Business School, UK
 
'With its comprehensive coverage and lucid style, this book provides an excellent introduction to the nature and operations of banking and financial markets. Rich in contemporary examples and international in perspective, the text captures the dynamism and the complexity of the modern financial environment. A first rate source of up to date material for both students and professionals, and yet accessible to the general reader.' - Dr David Goacher, School of Business and Finance, Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, UK


Reviews from www.amazon.co.uk: 
 
'This is the best book on finance I've ever read. It's a comprehensive introduction to financial markets written in a simple language. BUY IT.' 
 
'This book is amazing!! I work for Merrill Lynch and they recommend this book to everyone. If you have no background to finance this is the book for you!' 
 
'A FANTASTIC book for all newcomers to finance and a brilliant refresher for commercial and investment bankers who need to get a bird's eye view of the markets ... This book should be recommended reading for all new banking graduate trainees. And anyone selling to the 'City' or working in a support role, e.g. audit, regulation, compliance, risk, middle office, back office, law, HR, sales/marketing, public/investor relations, etc. Get it! It's worth every cent.' 
 
'I read this book from cover to cover before starting work in the technology department of an investment bank and found it a great explanation of the basics of the finance world. The examples were really well explained and easy to follow. Simply a great book!' 
 
'This book answered my questions and more. It also placed the financial markets into a global context, as the markets are truly worldwide ... In my opinion this is the best available if you require a high-level, not too detailed Introduction to Global Financial Markets.'
 
'I was very impressed with the vast spectrum of content covered. I had no previous knowledge of the financial markets and thanks to this book I now believe I have a reasonably good understanding of them.' 

"The 5th edition of "An Introduction to Global Financial Markets" represents a welcome update and expansion of information needed by students of the international finance system. It provides much basic knowledge on the workings of stock, bond and currency markets as well as the role of commercial, investment and central banks. This is required reading for my graduate students and a good basic primer for finance professionals." --Delio E. Gianturco, George Mason University
 
"I recently created a new course in Global Financial Markets, which I have been teaching at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and at ICESI in Cali, Colombia. I looked everywhere for a good book and finding nothing I was relying on assorted handouts as readings. That was until I stumbled upon Stephen Valdez' "An Introduction to Global Financial Markets". I like this book because it covers all the topics I want, it does so from an international (not just US) perspective, and it --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.