Financial Markets & Corporate Strategy

Book Description

The authors began writing the First Edition of this textbook in early 1988. It took almost 10 years to complete this effort, because they did not want to write an ordinary textbook. Their goal was to write a book that would break new ground in both the understanding and explanation of finance and its practice. They wanted to write a book that would influence the way people think about, teach, and practice finance. A book that would elevate the level of discussion and analysis in the classroom, in the corporate boardroom, and in the conference rooms of Wall Street firms. They wanted a book that would sit on the shelves of financial executives as a useful reference manual, long after the executives had studied and received a degree. They were successful in their endeavor. The success of the first edition of Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy was very heartening. The market for this text has expanded every year, and it is well-known as the cutting edge textbook in corporate finance around the world. The book is used in a variety of courses, both for introductory courses and advanced electives. Some schools have even changed their curriculum to design it around this text. The authors have developed this Second Edition based on the comments of many reviewers and colleagues; producing what is a more reader-friendly book. The most consistent comment from users of the first edition was a request for a chapter on the key ingredients of valuation: accounting, cash flows, and basic discounting. This ultimately led to a new chapter in the text, Chapter 9, which is currently available in the "Sample Chapter" section of the book's website. In almost every chapter, examples are updated, vignettes changed, numbers modified, statements checked for currency and historical accuracy, and exercises and examples are either modified or added to. The goal of the Second Edition is to make the book ever more practical, pedagogically effective, and current.

Customer Reviews:

Unnecessarily Complex.......2006-08-28

Author devotes 2 pages to mathematically prove & philosophically justify that a manager should chose the highest NPV project before chosing the next highest NPV project. Such logic continues ad infinitum throughout the 800+ page text. Time for 3rd Ed.

A finance textbook full of errors and holes.......2005-05-07

I am a postgraduate student in finance and this book is on my reading list for corporate finance. I must say that I am not very pleased with this book. First, it seems to skip around from chapter to chapter with no real logical organizational structure. Second, it is full of typos and mistakes -- some that are quite dangerous for a proper understanding of the material. Third, it does not develop fully the statistically techniques in Chapter 4 that it builds on in later chapters. This is a major problem in my opinion. What saves this book from the lowest rating is that it does discuss empirical studies and journal articles, and it does not do an entirely awful job about the more qualitative subjects like adverse selection and capitalization policy.

For what it's worth, I received my undergraduate degree at Wharton and am now at the London School of Economics. Instead of this book, I recommend Brealey and Myer's Principles of Corporate Finance. This is what I used as an undergraduate and is what seems to be the de facto textbook in the top undergraduate and MBA programs.

N.

A Wonderful Approach to Corporate Finance.......2005-04-12

I will admit this book does not take the standard approach to learning corporate finance. The authors discuss a wide variety of common topics, ranging from market models, option valuation, capital structure concepts and decisions, to more specialized topics such as corporate governance and financial risk management.

What is unique about this book, though, is that the authors encourage students to think about problems more broadly than one often sees in introductory texts and courses. For example, the authors encourage the use of decision trees (i.e. binomial models) to value a wide range of assets, not just stocks. If one can value a stock option using a binomial tree, why not use the same framework to value a plot of undeveloped real estate, an untapped mine, or any other "real option" owned by a company?

Another reason this text is excellent is because the authors include a vast survey of recent financial and economic literature relevant for the financial decision-maker. Highly developed markets depend on the signaling of information between investors and management, creditors and debtors, customers and suppliers, and so forth; understanding the implications of these interactions and their subsequent effects is of primary importance to decision-makers.

For example, the "pecking order" theory of capital structure is one of the most well-known concepts in finance, but nonetheless often misunderstood (if you want proof of this, why did investors respond so enthusiastically to every IPO in the late 1990's?). Instead of glossing over an explanation of the theory, the book thorougly explains it and provides problems where the reader can actually work through a simplified model that really reinforces the concept.

While this book served as a good introduction to a wide scope of problems in finance, it was most useful because it helped me to apply economic tools not just to solve but to understand financial problems. The use of decision trees in the simplified, binomial model setting helped me to understand option/project valuation and risk-netural valuation, the linchpin of no-arbitrage pricing. It also has perhaps the most thorough, lucid explanation of Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) I've seen anywhere- for a practitioner trying to understand factor models, this chapter alone makes the book worth it.

I understand that this is a very difficult book and that the problems are beyond what one may expect in a MBA-level course. Nonetheless, finance is an increasingly competitive field whose employers are starting to demand more analytical skills and intiution from recent graduates. In response to the reviewer who said this text is not suitable for CFA preparation, I do agree with that sentiment. First, the CFA program is designed for self-study that any motivated and capable professional can handle, while Grinblatt/Titman is clearly appropriate for a rigorous MBA-level sequence in corporate finance. Second, the CFA exam emphasizes asset valuation and portfolio management, while this book stresses financial decision-making from a manager's standpoint.

While I normally don't like reviews that justify their opinions by offering credentials, I also work on Wall Street and I find the concepts taught in this book to be quite relevant in handling real-world problems.

Good basic overview of finance intersecting corp strategy.......2005-02-25

I bought this book as a recommended supplemental text for a course in Corporate Finance in the MBA program at the U of Michigan Business School. I am very glad to have this book on my shelf of financial books and have benefited from it more than once.

I can recommend it to you strongly by praising it for these reasons:

1) It puts practical flesh on the financial model bones you learned in your first course on finance. There are very good discussions of the basic and well-known fundamental theories and models, but the authors also share with us what tends to happen in the real world. And isn't that what each of us need to add to our theoretical thinking?

2) Each chapter has effective summarizing Key Concepts and Key Terms with plenty of problems to work through and a list of References and Additional Readings that enable the reader to dive deeper into the topic of the chapter just read.

3) The book is helpfully organized into six Parts that provide the framework for the discussion. Parts 1-3 are a review of "Financial Markets and Instruments", "Valuing Financial Assets", and "Valuing Real Assets". This foundation gives the student a good grounding in order to see how these principles are used in the work of managing the capital structure of a corporation. Parts 4-6 discuss the "Corporate Financial Structure", "Incentives, Information and Corporate Control", and "Risk Management". These last three sections are the real meat of the book and where a great deal of its value to the business student lies.

4) Each of the Parts has an effective and brief introduction that sets the tone for what is to be studied. Even better, at the end of each the six Parts there are two very helpful summary sections: "Practical Insights" and "Executive Perspective".

This is a specialized topic. But it is an important topic. This is a very good book that can help a serious student get grounded in some very important principals necessary to managing the financial issues facing every corporation. I recommend it.

Missed the mark! Poor coverage of contemporary issues..........2004-12-22

This text is just below par for MBA / CFA or professional use. The quality of research is very poor. I almost bought this book recently but changed my mind instead for Brigham's "Intermediate Financial Management".

Compared to other finance texts I've used before such Reilly's "Investment Analysis & Portfolio Mgt." or Chew's "New Corporate Finance", Grinblatt's text is way way behind and offers nothing new and of value to my research & professional everyday use....

DON'T BUY this lousy book!

Financial Markets, Instruments, and Institutions

Average customer rating:

Precise, Clear and Helpful
One of the best introductions to the subject
pity they cannot comunicate
Fantastic
One of the worst written books on the subject

Financial Markets, Instruments, and Institutions
Anthony M. Santomero , and David Babbel
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/Irwin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0072358688

Book Description

Financial Markets, Instruments and Institutions, 2/e offers a perspective that centers on the function, pricing and institutional structure of the financial markets. It focuses on these areas because financial markets, instruments and institutions have undergone substantial change over the last decade. Santomero/Babbel covers the wide range of financial instruments and the structure of financial markets and institutions, issues not addressed by traditional “Money and Banking” books. Santomero/Babbel also includes valuation and pricing methodologies, issues avoided by lower level “Money and Capital Markets” books.

Customer Reviews:

Precise, Clear and Helpful.......2001-01-13

The authors not only demonstrate their understanding of financial markets by way of the breadth and precision of the topics discussed, but they also present the material in a way that is understandable to even those uninitiated in finance. If you are looking to learn the basic concepts underlying the various markets (equity, bond, mortgage, etc.), and you are interested by the wide range of pricing tools available today, this book is up your alley.

One of the best introductions to the subject.......2000-11-22

This is one the best introductory textbooks on the subject of financial markets and institutions. It is comprehensive and full of examples and exercises. The authors do an excellent job of presenting complex concepts in a relatively simple and straightforward style. Highly recommended.

pity they cannot comunicate.......2000-02-22

clearly written by a pair of highly intelligent intellectuals. it is a pity they cannot comunicate.

Fantastic.......1999-06-09

This book is brilliantly written by obviuosly two bright intellectuals. They bring a unmatched insight into the financial market world.

One of the worst written books on the subject.......1999-01-10

The idea to have a broad but thorough overview of different financial markets is brilliant. However, the author has real talent to make relatively simple ideas incomprehensible. Overall, the book is very difficult to read, language and wording are terrible.

Money And Capital Markets: Financial Institutions And Instruments In A Global Marketplace (Mcgraw-Hill/Irwin Series in Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful service
Ok review and introduction

Money And Capital Markets: Financial Institutions And Instruments In A Global Marketplace (Mcgraw-Hill/Irwin Series in Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate)
Peter S. Rose , and Milton H. Marquis
Manufacturer: Irwin/McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0072957395

Book Description

Money and Capital Markets 8/e by Peter Rose provides a thorough and comprehensive view of the whole financial system. All the major types of financial institutions and financial instruments present today are discussed, along with how and why the system of money and capital markets is changing. Money and Capital Markets also provides a descriptive explanation of how interest rates and security values are determined. It discusses the current and future trends of the globalization of financial markets, the ongoing consolidation of the financial institutions’ sector, and recent efforts to protect consumer privacy in the financial services field.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful service.......2005-07-17

I was very happy with the quality of the product and the fast service. The only thing I was disappointed in was the description did not specify the edition # of the book and what I received was one edition back from what I needed. More information in the description would be very helpful.

Ok review and introduction.......2002-04-28

The book has a lot of detailed historical information about the financial systems. Unfortunatly the author pay too much attention to history and not enough on practical fundementals. There are several errors and steps deleted in the book. Plus not enough examples are provided in comparrison to the problems assigned. Even my professor stated that the 7th edition had plenty of problems that won't be resolved until the 12-13th edition.

Money and Capital Markets: Financial Institutions and Instruments in a Global Marketplace (International Edition)

Average customer rating:

Money and Capital Markets: Financial Institutions and Instruments in a Global Marketplace (International Edition)
Peter S. Rose and Milton H. Marquis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M0C11E

Financial Instruments and Institutions: Accounting and Disclosure Rules

Average customer rating:

Authoritative and well written
Good in small doses
Mix of Finance and Accouting

Financial Instruments and Institutions: Accounting and Disclosure Rules
Stephen G. Ryan
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0470040378

Book Description

This book is an authoritative guide to the accounting and disclosure rules for financial institutions and instruments. It provides guidance from a “fair value” perspective and demonstrates the simplest and most natural measurement basis for reporting financial instruments, as is relevant for thrifts, mortgage banks, commercial banks, and property-casualty and life insurers.

Customer Reviews:

Authoritative and well written.......2007-06-03

The chapters are written in an organized fashion with a strong introduction allowing for the readers to re-familiarize themselves before reading (moving onto) the more dense material. The topics covered require readers to be familiar with some of the basic accounting principles beforehand. However the introduction allows for readers to continue onto the denser, less familiar topics without much difficulty and pain. The topics require dedication (as indicated by another review) on the part of the readers in order for mastery--but this is due to the nature of the topics covered rather than the writing. The examples used allow for readers to gain exposure on how the principles apply in context--which is a definite plus.

The book gives insights on accounting topics never fully explored in the typical undergraduate or graduate business education--the importance of the quality of disclosures and what can be mined from those financial statements was truly a surprise for me. The author's insights and thoughts on current accounting issues and belief in fair value accounting were convincing and well supported.

The material is not user-friendly in the fact that it requires a certain amount of exposure and knowledge in areas such as financial disclosure, basic economics/finance etc. The writing style is user-friendly as it engages readers in its conversational approach.

Good in small doses.......2005-08-18

I too have taken Prof. Ryan's class at NYU Stern. The accounting department at Stern is very good (especially Dan Gode) and Prof. Ryan is no exception. He know's his subject very well, take that as a given, and the book is an expression of that thoroughness.

Fair value accounting is well covered and there is a clear vein running through the book that pertinently questions what the right method of accounting should be in various contexts. A wide range of topics are covered and some are explored with more insight and depth than any other accounting book I have seen.

Had the book been better laid out, with more concise and pertinent examples it would have reached four stars. The style of writing is heavy and only the most dedicated readers will be able to sustain themselves through it. Presentation as a result is dry and wordy and, frivolous as it may sound, cries out for more color and visual organization. The publisher really dropped the ball should have recognized this and made the book more accessible, doing so would have given it near cult status for students, investors, analysts and academics.

Mix of Finance and Accouting.......2002-11-22

~~~~~You are wrong if you think that this is a pure accounting or finance book. I am taking Profoessor Ryan's class of "Finanial Instruments and Financial Institutions" in NYU right now. The stength of Professor Ryan in the book is his in-depth understanding and effective description of economics, finance and accounting issues. So many case studies covered in the book blend with macroeconomic events, financial implication and accounting disclosures. Therefore, you need some background~~ knowledge of accounting and finance to fully take advantage of his insights in the book. This book discusses the yield curve, interest risk, credit and market risks, and fair value accounting for financial instruments. It analyzes the finacial and accounting issues for thrifts, mortgage bank, securitizations, commercial banks, derivatives and hedging, lessors and lease accountings. After reading through the book, you will have clear pictures about each finnancial instruments and institutions.~~ You won't be afraid of these topics any more. This book can be used as an advanced textbook for finance or accouting majors in business school, or a reference book if you are interested in financial and accounting issues of the above topics.~

Capital Markets: Institutions and Instruments

Average customer rating:

Amazon purchase experience
Almost the same content as the other book from the same authors
Well written- Broad and comprehensive without being shallow
A fascinating desk reference.
Solid work but somewhat dated

Capital Markets: Institutions and Instruments
Frank J. Fabozzi , and Franco Modigliani
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0136014364

Book Description

Fabozzi and Modigliani describe all phases of the capital market, including the instruments, institutions and valuation of instruments. The text offers the most comprehensive capital market coverage available in a perfect blend of principle and practice. The Second Edition expands upon the topics covered in the first and updates all material to reflect the latest financial trends and developments.

Customer Reviews:

Amazon purchase experience.......2005-09-27

I am happy with my experience with Amazon. It has a user friendly website. I was able to receive my book in less than a week. The book is in good condition as described online.

Almost the same content as the other book from the same authors.......2005-08-13

The content of the book is fine, but I am puzzled by the authors' decision to publish yet another book on this topic while they have covered most of the topics in the book "Foundations of Financial Market." I ordered both, only to be disappointed to find this out the hard way. I call on, or even strongly demand, the authors to do the right thing to pull one of the books out of circulation, to avoid confusing the readers.

In school, we learned of academic honesty, don't so-called professors or acamdecians follow the same code?

Well written- Broad and comprehensive without being shallow.......2004-06-14

There are many different versions of finance books that package a variety of subsets of what is known about financial instruments, how they are valued, the markets they trade in, and various relevant regulations. Of course textbooks tend to be written with specific courses in mind and select the material they present for a one or two term course on that topic.

This book has a somewhat unique combination because it covers rather comprehensively the institutions that make up our financial markets, what they do for a living, the instruments they trade, and how those instruments are structured, valued, and regulated. The book also provides an introduction to international markets.

Since Fabozzi and Modigliani cover such a broad ground they cannot provide the same depth as books that are more specialized in nature. However, this book is written very well. It is thoughtful in what it presents and clearly teaches the material it covers in a concise way without merely skimming over the topics. It is a terrific textbook and can make a good desk reference for any finance professional. I like it a lot and think it succeeds in its aims quite well.

A fascinating desk reference........2001-01-27

Since I bought this book, I have it as my desk reference. For beginners in this area, is a great comprehensive tool to help understand capital markets. For the more skilled financial readers, is an obligated desk reference.

Fabozzi and Modigliani take you in complete tour through capital markets. In the early chapters you will find valuable information about financial systems and institutions, about how the primary and secondary markets work, among many other issues.

Then the book explains debt and equity markets, finishing in the later chapters with great explanations on derivatives markets.

Definitely, I made a great investment in buying this book.

Solid work but somewhat dated.......2001-01-25

This is a great introductory text. My only complaint would be that it's a little dated at this point. It needs to be updated in a third edition.

Modern Financial Intermediaries and Markets

Average customer rating:

Modern Financial Intermediaries and Markets
Nasser Arshadi , and Gordon V. Karels
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Financial Institutions, Instruments and Markets

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Financial Institutions, Instruments and Markets
Christopher Viney
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Financial institutions, instruments, and markets in Australia

Average customer rating:

Financial institutions, instruments, and markets in Australia
Michael McGrath
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS

Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H3TCVS

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