Overview

Covering everything from the fundamentals of financial markets’ structure to the nuances of fintech, derivatives and commodities, this textbook offers readers a comprehensive view of the functions of the global financial markets from an intuitive and hands-on perspective. Unlike traditional textbooks that focus solely on financial institutions, this book places emphasis on the individual investor. The main objective is the presentation of the thinking process and economic/financial analyses of global events related to the financial markets as well as the investor’s behavior. This book explains how one should interpret an event and what its possible consequences, and hence appropriate course of action would be, via a wide range of real-world situations and examples. Blending insights from economics, corporate finance, investments, and econometrics while demonstrating linkages to accounting, marketing and management disciplines, each chapter delivers a practical framework for understanding and engaging with the financial markets, equipping readers with the tools to analyze real-world events and make informed, strategic decisions. Fundamental econometric methodologies are illustrated throughout to enable the reader to study the quantitative outcomes of financial and economic developments while in-chapter boxed features reinforce understanding of the material. Understanding Global Financial Markets is ideal for students of finance, economics or business, or those with an interest in the global markets and who wish to succeed in the current financial world.

Full Product Details

9781041149941

Table of Contents

Reviews

“A text that teaches students to think like market participants is a welcome addition to the literature - this one delivers, translating global events into practical, hands-on actions across money, equity, fixed income, FX, derivatives, commodities, and FinTech. Its “test your understanding” scaffolding, real-data applications, and accessible econometrics appendix help learners move from theory to portfolio decisions. A flexible, semester-friendly design makes it suitable for both undergraduate and master’s courses in financial markets, institutions, and instruments.” Nikolaos Vlastakis, Professor, Norwich Business School University of East Anglia, UK “Understanding the Global Financial Markets is an exceptional textbook that brings clarity, relevance, and practical insight to a complex subject. By focusing on the retail investor rather than institutions, it fills a long-standing gap in financial education. The book combines intuitive explanations with real data, contemporary examples, and clear guidance on how individuals can interpret and act on global financial developments. Its integration of economics, finance, management, marketing, and econometrics makes it uniquely comprehensive. Accessible yet rigorous, it equips students and novice investors with the analytical tools and confidence needed to navigate and benefit from today’s dynamic financial markets.” Dimitrios N. Koufopoulos, Dr and Director of University of London MBA Programmes, University of London Worldwide, UK

Author Information

Nikiforos T. Laopodis is a Professor of Finance in the Finance Department of the School of Business and Economics at the American College of Greece, Athens, Greece. His areas of expertise are investments and financial econometrics.

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