Ever wonder how interest rates are determined? Would you like to know how to read actual financial data? Want to know what makes the financial sector really tick? You'll find answers to these questions and more in Kidwell, Blackwell, Whidbee, and Peterson's Ninth Edition of Financial Institutions, Markets, and Money. Featuring a strong emphasis on fundamental concepts and how things really work in a market context, these four expert authors present a balanced, up-to-date overview of the U.S. financial system and its primary institutions and markets, coupled with an introduction to international markets. Examine the financial system from a real-world perspective. Now revised and updated, this Ninth Edition reflects recent events and trends in the financial system. The new edition includes even more real-world, hands-on examples, as well as new "In Practice" boxes, which describe important issues and trends in business practice. You'll also learn how to read and interpret actual financial data. Take a balanced look at institutions and markets. The authors present balanced coverage of the U.S. financial system with strong emphasis on both institutions and markets. Throughout, they take a free-market approach to the analysis of economic, market, and regulatory issues. Understand how the material relates to your life and career. Financial Institutions, Markets, and Money, Ninth Edition is written specifically for students. The authors have a knack for explaining difficult concepts in an intuitive manner, without watering the material down. In addition, there are a number of examples related to the types of finance transactions that young professionals face, such as buying and financing a home or determining the rate of return on an investment.