Organized around a central core of consistent fundamental concepts, this work focuses on the importance of building an efficient portfolio, utilizing an asset allocation strategy. Pricing and trading are covered, and these concepts are then applied to portfolio planning in real-world securities markets governed by risk/return relationships. The text balances theoretical and real-world applications in order to help students understand investment theory and portfolio development. This edition includes expanded coverage of of derivatives as effective risk management tools, a new section on the global economy, and consideration of international accounting issues and exotic options. In addition, market microstructure coverage has been expanded to include NASDAQ trading practices controversy.