The module begins with an overview of capital markets and explores limits to the predictability of asset price changes. Modern theories of financial decision-making under uncertainty are examined from the perspective of their application to portfolio decision problems, with an emphasis on mean-variance theory. Mean-variance analysis is then adapted to construct the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). Following an introduction to Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT), both models are subjected to empirical testing. The module goes on to review extensions of asset pricing theories to encompass present value relationships, including multi-period consumption and portfolio planning decisions, and thence to study bubbles in financial markets. Finally, students are introduced to theories of asset market microstructure.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have acquired an appreciation of how economic theories help to account for the determination of asset prices. They will able to apply analytical reasoning to problems in asset pricing; to build simple models of asset markets based on those studied in the course; and to interpret the mathematics of these models in economic terms.
Academic skills: EC371 contributes to the development of (i) problem-solving, via the analysis of formal models in finance; (ii) evaluation of statistical applications, in particular, econometric studies of asset prices; (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 financial 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 theories help to account for the determination of asset prices. They will able to apply analytical reasoning to problems in asset pricing; to build simple models of asset markets based on those studied in the course; and to interpret the mathematics of these models in economic terms.
Academic skills: EC371 contributes to the development of (i) problem-solving, via the analysis of formal models in finance; (ii) evaluation of statistical applications, in particular, econometric studies of asset prices; (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 financial 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.