This module begins with a study of the distinctive characteristics of bonds as financial assets, and thus to explanations of the term structure of interest rates. Much of the remainder of the module is then devoted to studying derivatives markets, focusing on futures and options markets. Futures contracts are analysed both in principle and with applications to commodity markets as well as financial futures markets. Option contracts are studied from the perspective of relationships between option premiums and underlying asset prices, together with an exploration of the ways in which option contracts can be used to achieve specific financial objectives. Markets for various types of swaps including currency swaps, interest rate swaps and credit default swaps are then examined. Finally, the module explores theories of financial intermediation, with particular reference to determining the proportion of investment funded indirectly via intermediaries loans rather than directly via bond issuance.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have acquired an appreciation of how economic reasoning can be applied to the markets for bonds, futures contracts and financial options. They will also be able conceptualise the fundamentals of financial derivatives in economic terms and evaluate simple models of price determination based on the arbitrage principle.
Academic skills. EC372 contributes to the development of i problem solving, via the analysis of formal models of bonds, futures and options markets ii evaluation of empirical applications, in particular, notable case studies involving financial derivatives contracts iii communication and literacy, via term paper preparation; and iv research and information gathering, via the identification, selection and acquisition of materials relevant for term papers and for examination preparation.
Other employability skills include the development of i awareness of the operation of bond and derivatives markets in advanced economies ii clear, concise and well organised professional written work iii personal time management, target-setting to achieve the timely completion of term papers and other and other reading assignments, and iii reflection on and response to feedback provided for term papers.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have acquired an appreciation of how economic reasoning can be applied to the markets for bonds, futures contracts and financial options. They will also be able conceptualise the fundamentals of financial derivatives in economic terms and evaluate simple models of price determination based on the arbitrage principle.
Academic skills. EC372 contributes to the development of i problem solving, via the analysis of formal models of bonds, futures and options markets ii evaluation of empirical applications, in particular, notable case studies involving financial derivatives contracts iii communication and literacy, via term paper preparation; and iv research and information gathering, via the identification, selection and acquisition of materials relevant for term papers and for examination preparation.
Other employability skills include the development of i awareness of the operation of bond and derivatives markets in advanced economies ii clear, concise and well organised professional written work iii personal time management, target-setting to achieve the timely completion of term papers and other and other reading assignments, and iii reflection on and response to feedback provided for term papers.