Introduction Financial Markets

Topics Covered in This Course:
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
    Why study financial markets and institutions?
    Overview of the financial system
    What do interest rates mean and what is their role in valuation?
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
    Why do interest rates change?
    How do risk and term structure affect interest rates?
    Are financial markets efficient?
  In Section 3 of this exam you will be evaluated on below listed topics:
    Structure of central banks and the federal reserve system
    Conduct of monetary policy: tools, goals, and targets
    The money markets
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
    The bond market
    The stock market
    The mortgage markets
    The foreign exchange market
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
    The international financial system
    Why do financial institutions exist?
    What should be done about conflicts of interest in the financial industry?
    Banking and the management of financial institutions
    Commercial banking industry: structure and competition
    Savings associations and credit unions
    Banking regulation
    The mutual fund industry
    Insurance companies and pension funds
    Investment banks, security brokers and dealers, and venture capital firms
    Risk management in financial institutions
    Hedging with financial derivatives
    Finance companies