Book excerpt: With the global economy still in recovery, it is more important than ever for individuals and organizations to be aware of their money and its potential for both depreciation and growth. Banking, Finance, and Accounting: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications investigates recent advances and undertakings in the financial industry to better equip all members of the world economy with the tools and insights needed to weather any shift in the economic climate. With chapters on topics ranging from investment portfolios to credit unions, this multi-volume reference source will serve as a crucial resource for managers, investors, brokers, and all others within the banking industry.