Markets & Derivatives

Course Overview

This course is designed to demystify the complex world of financial markets and the pivotal role derivatives play within it.

This comprehensive course is structured to navigate through the intricacies of markets, products, players, and pricing mechanisms, providing you with a solid foundation in understanding the diverse and dynamic nature of financial instruments.

We’ll delve into the specifics of derivative products, exploring their types, uses, and the strategic purposes they serve in hedging, speculation, and arbitrage.

Additionally, the course will cover the critical concepts of curves and credit, essential for grasping how interest rates, yield curves, and credit risk impact the valuation and trading of financial instruments.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamental structure and functions of financial markets, including an overview of the main types of markets, the range of products traded, and the roles of different market participants.
• Gain a solid understanding of derivative products, including futures, options, swaps, and other derivatives, their market mechanics, and how they are used for hedging, speculation, and arbitrage purposes.
• Learn the principles of pricing mechanisms within financial markets, focusing on how prices are determined for various financial instruments and the factors influencing price movements.
• Explore the strategic uses of derivatives in managing financial risk, enhancing investment portfolios, and leveraging speculative opportunities across different market conditions.
• Delve into the critical concepts of curves and credit, including how interest rates and yield curves influence the valuation of financial instruments, and understand the implications of credit risk on market operations.
• Acquire practical insights into how derivatives are traded, the impact of regulatory frameworks on derivatives markets, and the challenges and opportunities presented by market volatility and economic shifts.