Markets begins with one of the most common and important elements of the financial system – interest rates. You will learn why interest rates have always been a key barometer in determining the value of everything. You will explore the changing influence of interest rates; the impact of interest rates on consumption, investment and economic growth; and the bizarre realities of negative interest rates. Markets explains how interest rates change the value of all financial instruments, highlighting the role of the bond and stock markets that have toppled empires. We take a closer look at the equity pricing models and equity markets that reverberate across the globe, and explore everything from the first stock ever issued – by the Dutch East India Company – to the little-understood but powerful derivative securities market. By the end of the course, you will have developed insight into the intersections of the financial markets with worlds of policy, politics, and power. You will have demonstrated that insight by teaching an important financial concept and translating a financial product or transaction to someone who will clearly benefit from your advice.
This course is part of the Finance for Everyone Specialization
Finance for Everyone: Markets
Offered By
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Week 1: Welcome & Interest Rates
Welcome! This first week will orient you to the specialization and help set you up to make the most of your experience with us in Finance for Everyone: Markets. You will also engage with a fundamental concept that has tremendous influence on financial markets, communicate with your fellow learners, and familiarize yourself with the course culminating project.
3 videos (Total 24 min), 7 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Interest Rates Part 110m
Interest Rates Part 27m
7 readings
F4E Specialization Snapshot10m
Course Outline10m
Course Connections: Where are our learners from?10m
Keeping a Learning Portfolio10m
LearnSmart - What it is & how to use it10m
(Optional) LearnSmart: Chapter 7 Interest Rates10m
Introduction to Presentation Final Assignment10m
2 practice exercises
Markets Intro Survey10m
Making a Difference in Week 12m
Week
2Week 2: Bonds
Week 2 is all about bonds! You will explore this market from its inception to present day, discuss a current curious phenomenon, develop skills for pricing bonds, and have the opportunity to engage in experiencing the market for yourself! Don't forget to continue working towards your course culminating project!
3 videos (Total 44 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
4 readings
Background Information on Bonds10m
(Optional) LearnSmart Chapter 7B: Bond Valuation10m
MarketEx: Bonds Week Instructions10m
Bond Resources10m
2 practice exercises
Bonds12m
Making a Difference in Week 22m
Week
3Week 3: Stocks
Week 3 is Stocks week! You will familiarize yourself with this market from its creation to present day, review key moments of market turbulence, develop skills for pricing stocks, and turn your MarketEx focus to experience stocks! As you explore all things stocks, you will continue to prepare your course culminating assignment.
4 videos (Total 54 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
3 readings
(Optional) LearnSmart Chapter 8: Stocks10m
MarketEx: Stocks Week Instructions10m
Stock Resources10m
2 practice exercises
Stocks12m
Making a Difference in Week 32m
Week
4Week 4: Deriviates & Course Presentation
In Week 4, you will synthesize your learnings for Finance for Everyone: Markets. You will participate in a peer review of Presentation materials submitted by your classmates, reflect on your key learnings from this course, and look ahead to Finance for Everyone: Value!
4 videos (Total 27 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Derivative Securities Part II5m
Derivative Securities Part III7m
Course 2 Epilogue8m
1 reading
(Optional) LearnSmart Chapter 25 Options and Corporate Securities10m
1 practice exercise
End of Course Feedback24m
Instructor
Arshad Ahmad
ProfessorDeGroote School of Business
About McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence by inspiring critical thinking, personal growth, and a passion for learning. Ranked amongst the Top 100 universities in the world, McMaster pioneered a learner-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning that is now known worldwide as the “McMaster Model”.
About the Finance for Everyone Specialization
Watch this intro video to learn more about the Specialization curriculum and Capstone Project!
The Finance for Everyone Specialization will help you learn the language of finance and understand how the flow of money relates to the most important key social issues influencing our lives and communities. You’ll examine the connections between global and local finance; the flow of assets through businesses, governments, and other institutions; and the commodity, bond, and equity market dynamics that create and destroy financial value. When you complete the Specialization, you’ll be able to better understand both global financial news and your own personal financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
What will I be able to do upon completing this course?
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Develop your understanding of the broader context of finance as it relates to financial markets.
2. Explain the importance of interest rates to financial markets.
3. Familiarize yourself with bond, stock, and derivative financial markets.
4. Perform financial calculations with accuracy.
5. Gain experience researching investment options and tracking their performance over time.
6. Converse with others about financial concepts with confidence.
7. Build confidence in your ability to participate in financial markets.
8. Relate important financial concepts and issues to experiences in your daily life and the real world.
How long does it take to complete this course?
The course is structured to be 4 weeks in length.
How often is this course offered?
This course will be offered every month.
What background knowledge is necessary?
No previous knowledge is required. It is recommended that learners have basic mathematics knowledge.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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