Module Identifier ACM2210  
Module Title FINANCIAL MARKETS & INVESTMENT  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Professor Owain M Ap Gwilym  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   2 Hours.  
  Seminars / Tutorials   1 Hours.  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours  80%
Semester Assessment 2,000 word essay20%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Evaluate the structure, operation and role of financial markets

Critically analyse the efficient markets hypothesis

Explain and analyse the role of financial institutions and financial intermediation

Analyse the risk-return trade-off in investments

Explain and apply portfolio theory in the context of capital markets

Analyse portfolio management in practice

Aims

To provide theoretical and practical perspectives on the role and efficiency of financial markets, and the key concepts of investing.

Brief description

The module will analyse the role of financial markets in supplying finance and managing financial risk within companies and financial institutions. It will also address some key concepts, theories and practices in managing portfolios and investing.

Content

Introduction to financial markets and the efficient markets hypothesis
Functions and mechanics of equity, foreign exchange and derivatives trading
The role of financial institutions and financial intermediation
Analysis of investment concepts, risk and return
Portfolio theory and capital markets
Active versus passive portfolio management

Reading Lists

Books
D Blake (2000) Financial Market Analysis 2nd edition. Wiley
M Buckle and J Thompson (2004) The UK Financial System 4th edition. Manchester University Press

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7