Foreign Exchange: A Practical Guide to the Fx Markets Hardcover - 2006 - 1st Edition

First line

When many of us think of foreign exchange, what comes to mind are those little booths in the airport at which we can exchange, say, our United States Dollars for British Pounds Sterling when on our way to or from a vacation or business trip.

From the jacket flap

In today's global marketplace, there is a critical need for both individual and professional investors to become better acquainted with foreign exchange. As economies become more intertwined and currencies continue to fluctuate, we must understand and be able to evaluate the foreign exchange (FX) markets when dealing with a variety of concerns, from consumption decisions and investment portfolios to business and retirement plans.

Throughout his academic and professional financial careers, Tim Weithers has introduced thousands of people to the foreign exchange markets and empowered them to navigate this dynamic environment. Now, in Foreign Exchange: A Practical Guide to the FX Markets, Weithers shares his knowledge, insights, intuition, and many years of experience with you.

Blending theory and practice, this straightforward financial primer takes the technical information commonly associated with today's FX markets and makes it more accessible. First, you'll become familiar with some of the basic elements of foreign exchange--major currencies, bid-ask spreads, and the importance of interest rates--as well as gain some historical perspective on the evolution and development of the FX markets. After this introductory overview, you'll receive a detailed description of the products, techniques, and strategies that can be used to master the foreign exchange markets.

Topics discussed within the following pages include:

• The foreign exchange spot market
• FX forwards and futures
• Cross-currency interest rate swaps
• FX options, structured products, and exotic options
• The economics of exchange rates and international trade
• Currency crises
• Modern developments
• And much more

With this book as your guide, you'll also gain a solid understanding of how the FX market and its instruments work; acquire an ability to look beyond the noise of news reports and stories presented by the popular media and financial press; and learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes made in today's FX markets.

Filled with in-depth insights and helpful recommendations, and backed by numerous examples and exercises, Foreign Exchange frames the FX market in practical economic terms that can help you make sense of this ever-evolving, and often confusing, environment.