"Tom Valentine and his co-authors have given us a beautifully clear introduction to the most important topic in economics today. There is an excellent chapter on the global financial crisis, and the reader is guided through the basic theory of the modern financial system with the help of real life examples." - Alan Mitchell, Economics Editor, The Australian Financial Review Fundamentals of Financial Markets and Institutions provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the Australian and international financial markets. It clearly explains the theories and describes the models used by these markets. Written in a student-friendly style, the text is completely Australian. It is the only Australian Financial Markets text with up to the minute currency and a global emphasis. This text is written in a clear, easy-to-understand manner to give students a fundamental introduction to financial markets without overwhelming them. It is the perfect book for any first year financial institutions course looking to enhance student success.