An updated edition of this introduction to the fundamentals of investment, reviewing the operations of the industry post-financial crisis from a variety of perspectives. * New to this edition: * Reflects the myriad of changes to the investment markets since the financial crash * Several new case studies, including the Eurozone Sovereign Bond Markets and the Irish Banking Sector * New chapter on Alternative Assets. * Introduces investment concepts and issues in a conversational manner, using Irish case studies and examples where appropriate. * Examines key topics relating to investment, including: * Retail Investor's Choices * Portfolio Theory * Real Economy and the Markets * Pension Fund Investment * The Fund Management Industry * Evaluating Investment Performance. WRITTEN FOR: - Students studying for industry qualifications in the banking, insurance and investment sectors - Any university course where investment is a module - Investment practitioners and those working in support functions, such as sales/marketing, administration and IT support within the investment, banking and insurance sectors - Pension trustees - Informed private investors