Fundamentals of International Financial Management

This concise and compact text explains, with great precision and clarity, the basic concepts, theories and practices of international business. The text is so significant because, in today's modern globalized economic environment, international transactions form an integral part of economic activities. Businesses today are no more confined to national boundaries and have become truly international. Any budding or practising manager, especially of big companies, needs to know the fundamentals of international finance. And this book, written by Professor S. Kevin, who has a rich and long experience in teaching international finance, eminently fulfils this need. The book begins with an explanation of the exchange rate mechanism of foreign currencies, factors influencing exchange rate fluctuations, and the trading mechanism in foreign exchange markets. As currency forwards, futures, options and swaps are the instruments of currency derivatives used as hedging and speculative tools, the book goes on to give a detailed description of the use of currency derivatives for hedging as well as speculative functions. It concludes with an analysis of international financial institutions and their functioning, the participants and instruments of global financial markets where international funds are raised, the many uses of international funds in the form of portfolio investments, and direct investments in host countries. The book is primarily intended as a text for postgraduate students of commerce and management, chartered accountancy (CA) and chartered financial analysis (CFA). It would also be of immense value to practising professionals in the field of international finance. It illustrates the concepts with the help of examples, figures and tables. It clearly explains risk management tools and techniques. It discusses the role of international financial institutions in the global financial market. It is a handy text for self-study.