Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Euro is slightly higher against the yen. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is off 18 points in active trading. A Chinese airline loses millions of dollars with derivatives. Following the Bank of England's decision to lower its base rate, monthly mortgage payments are set to fall. #2 Financial markets have been around since the beginning of mankind. They have evolved over time, and today, they are handled computer to computer with minimal human intervention. #3 Financial markets serve the same basic functions: price setting, asset valuation, arbitrage, raising capital, commercial transactions, investing, and risk management. #4 The figure of $4. 5 trillion for 2011, which is the amount of money that was lent in that year, represents only a single year's activity. If all financial activities were to be included, the total size of the markets would be much larger.