Guide to Financial Markets (6th edition): The Economist

Having read a previous edition some years ago, I read this to expand my knowledge as I work in a related industry. It seems to cover most aspects of markets and is reasonably clear, but I thought it a bit long on bonds and short on equities and derivatives. I would have liked more detail on settlement and market data.It has clearly been re-written to cover some of the 2008 crash, which is a good thing. Overall, it's unlikely to hold the interest of the casual reader, and I found it hard going last thing at night. Insomniacs may be well-served.

... if you're looking for an introductory/ beginners' guide to financial markets.This book is essentially an overview of financial markets, but it can be particularly unintelligible and assumes that you already have at least an intermediate/ graduate level understanding of this subject.I'm currently in the throes of finishing a degree in Economics, and I found this book to be confusing, frustrating and, as a consequence of it not explaining key-concepts well, utterly tedious. If I hadn't studied economics at the level that I have, then I would have been completely lost.I didn't rate it 1 star because it doesn't explicitly say that this guide is for beginners. Unless you have a good grasp of the subject material already and are wishing to merely consolidate your knowledge and understanding, then avoid this book.My advice would be to use Wikipedia or Khan Academy, if you're interested in learning about financial markets from scratch, as both elucidate this subject far more than this book, and they're free resources.

This book gives a great insight but can be difficult to get through and can be very dry at times.

It’s a good 101 guide to financial markets

A very good beginners guide to economics covering all aspects of modern day economic structures. This is a must read to set you on your way to understanding the complex structure and theory behind economics.

This book has fully met my requirements.

Good book. Came in good time and in pristine condition. I'm just gonna read it like a novel.......fits my hobby reading lists. I cant review in detail cos I haven't had so much time to read it.

definitely recommended. Gives a clear and comprehensive overview of financial markets and products - nicely written rather being full of formulas... so explains concepts very well. Good buy!