This book provides a systematic and mathematically accessible introduction to financial econometric models and their applications in modeling and predicting financial time series data. It emphasizes empirical financial data and focuses on real-world examples. Following this approach, readers will master key aspects of financial time series, including volatility modeling, neural network applications, market microstructure, and high-frequency financial data. S-Plus(r) commands and illustrations are used extensively throughout the book in order to highlight accurate interpretations and graphical representations of financial data. Exercises are included in order to provide readers with more opportunities to put the models and methods into everyday practice. The tools provided in the text aid readers in developing a deeper understanding of financial markets through firsthand experience in working with financial data, most importantly without needless computation.