Revised and updated guide to some of the most important issues in the capital markets today, with an emphasis on fixed-income instruments. Fundamental concepts in equity market analysis, foreign exchange and money markets are also covered to provide a comprehensive overview. Analysis and valuation techniques are given for practical application.

'Gillian Tett, in her book Fool's Gold, has produced a thorough, journalistic account of the causes of the global financial crisis. This book's strength is as an analytical study of the instruments themselves and ... its aim to provide a thorough understanding of financial markets deserves a wide audience. It is not only bankers, regulators and politicians who need to understand the world of complex financial instruments. Journalists and academics also have a duty to comprehend and explain.' - from the Foreword, Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham& Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.