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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Financial Markets
Module Code EF307
School DCUBS
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Claire Kearney
Semester 2: Claire Kearney
Autumn: Claire Kearney
Module TeachersClaire Kearney
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
Array
Description

EF 307 Financial Markets. This module introduces Learners to international and domestic financial markets, and to the financial institutions and financial intermediation infrastructure that enables each of the private, public and sovereign interests that participate in these markets. In this module Learners will develop their knowledge of the functions of financial markets in providing access to capital and liquidity. They will also develop their knowledge of the principal types and characteristics of exchange-traded securities. Learners will develop the skills to value a range of these securities and to analyse the international investment environment within which they exist, with a particular emphasis on the trade-off between risk and return implicit in this environment. The module reflects on the role of international capital markets in providing solutions to the challenges facing the global economy at present including risk mitigation instruments, raising 'green' capital, and the growth of corporate social responsibility (CSR) investing.The module also reflects on the development of the New Financial Architecture and its relationship with more traditional market and security structures. This module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures, tutorials and on-line learning tools, including loop quizzes. Learners are expected to attend lectures and tutorials and to engage in on-line learning and research activities on a regular basis. In addition students will undertake problem sets and read recommended expert articles.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain and analyze individual equity stocks and stock markets.
2. Explain and analyze sovereign and other fixed income (bond) securities and bond markets.
3. Describe the use of derivatives.
4. Explain the principles of international portfolio diversification.
5. Explain and analyse the Funds Industry as a participant in global financial markets.
6. Analyse the role of traditional international capital markets in co-existence with the New Financial Architecture.
7. Analyse the role of international financial markets in providing solutions for the Greening of the global economy and the requirement for sustainability.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Attendance at weekly lectures
Independent Study14Weekly Quizzes on loop integral to the Tutorial cycle
Tutorial12Preparation for Tutorials
Tutorial8Attendance at Tutorials
Independent Study12Problem sets
Directed learning55Preparation for examination
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

International Capital Markets
In this section Learners will analyse the investment environment created by international capital markets and describe their function and structure. The process of financial intermediation will be explained and the purpose and benefits of securitisation. The implications for risk management will be considered, and the place of international capital markets in the context of the banking system.

Equities
This section develops Learner's knowledge of the nature of equity investment within a market-wide risk and return framework. Learners will develop technical skills to value equities from a number of different perspectives.This section will consider the modes, and considerations of international equity investment, including phenomena such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) themed investing.

Bonds and Money Market Securities
This section provides a grounding in the principles of fixed income investment securities, including zero-coupon bonds, government and corporate bonds, green bonds, climate bonds and sustainability bonds. Learners will develop the skills to value fixed income securities, evaluate the role of monetary policy and inflation and to appraise the role bonds would play in an investment portfolio within a market-wide risk and return framework.

Derivative Securities and Alternative Investments
This section introduces Learners to derivative securities such as futures and options. Learners will develop their knowledge of the nature and investment characteristics of these securities.

Principles of International Portfolio Investment
This section examines the theory of portfolio-based investment and builds Learner's knowledge of the benefits of diversification in a portfolio context and the implications for portfolio risk and how it may be quantified.

The Funds Industry
This section examines the application of Portfolio Theory in practice for example; Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds. It also explores technical considerations in transacting in securities, bid/offer spread, buying on margin and short-selling.

Financial Markets & The New Financial Architecture
This section introduces the still-emerging, financial architecture which includes distributed ledger technology, cryptocurrencies and other 'security' offerings and platforms, and analyses its relationship with extant financial markets and the banking system.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment10% Examination Weight90%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop QuizWeekly Loop Quizz10%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Solnik, B. and D. McLeavey: 2004, International Investments, 5th edition, Pearson Addison Wesley, 0201785684
  • Fabozzi,FJ; Modigliani F and Jones FJ: 2010, Foundations of Financial Markets and Institutions, 4th, Pearson International Edition, ISBN-13;978-0-13-135423-4
  • Pilbeam, Keith: 2018, Finance & Financial Markets, 4th, Palgrave,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BSBachelor of Business Studies
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
EBBA in Global Business
EBCBA in Global Business (Canada)
EBFBA in Global Business (France)
EBGBA in Global Business (Germany)
EBSBA in Global Business (Spain)
EBTBA in Global Business (USA)
EPLBA in Economics, Politics and Law
EPLNBA in Economics, Politics and Law
EPLYABA in Economics, Politics and Law (Int)
Date of Last Revision03-FEB-10
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