This book investigates small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) access to credit, the earning quality, and the cost of debt in the European Union. It also examines two important risk measures in financial markets: the volatility index (VIX) and Credit Default Swaps (CDS). Finally, it deep dives inside one of the most important emerging markets, China, to assess monetary policy and the relationship between financial institutions and real estate firms. This work will appeal to both academics and practitioners in the areas of SME financing, financial markets and emerging economies.