The globalization of financial markets has led to an integrated world market.
Emerging economies such as China and India have opened up their markets to
foreign investors. New instruments such as exchange-traded funds are being
created, and current instruments are being expanded to include real asset
investments such as natural resources and real estate investments. To better
understand the full range of investments available, this book identifies
different asset classes and current hot topics such as new financial
instruments, innovations, and strategies in a changing global environment. Asset
class, which can be labeled as either traditional or alternative investments, is
examined in three areas: (1) trends --