Introduction to Financial Markets

Financial markets and services are central to the functioning of a modern economy. But what do they do, how do they work and who are the most important actors? Our Introduction to Financial Markets short course introduces you to the main characteristics of financial markets and institutions at both national and international level. It helps you gain an understanding of the growth and significance of such markets today.

The course covers the theoretical and technical aspects of financial markets and highlights the practical issues of investment finance with the help of only elementary mathematics. Therefore, you do not need a high level of mathematical competence to successfully complete this course, although the ability to think logically is important. We will use simple mathematical equations to explain financial issues.

By the end of the course, you should have a good understanding of financial markets and their impact on savings and investments.

Teaching on our Introduction to Financial Markets short course is through a combination of lectures, seminars and class presentations, either individually or in groups. Topics include:

• objectives of financial markets
• stock markets
• money markets
• bond markets
• FX markets
• hedge funds and private equity
• derivatives
• the nature of financial crises
• the credit and banking crisis of 2008
• the sovereign debt crisis from 2010.

The course is assessed by two 1500-word assignments (30% each) and an in-class assessment (40%).