Equity markets, cash and derivatives are core to financial markets and investment management. It is also a core area that this programme must cover to meet our CFA Recognition status. Students are taught how to describe equity securities (cash and derivative) and their markets, valuation measures and drivers. Students will also become familiar with market micro-structure around the world and the various related areas to equities, like Indexes and ETFs. Students are also trained in the usage of industry analytic systems that are essential for this highly quantitative area of financial markets. The module also introduces students to data analytics and AI-assisted approaches in equity analysis, enabling them to appreciate how data-driven methods and analytical tools are increasingly applied in equity valuation, market analysis, and investment decision-making.
Students completing the module successfully should be able to: A Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current issues in the area of professional practice related to equity securities, cash and derivative instruments. B Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of established, applied techniques of research and analysis as used to interpret knowledge and practice in the area of equity securities, cash and derivative instruments. This includes the ability to apply data analytics techniques to support equity valuation and market analysis. C Develop a conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, propose new practices. This includes the critical evaluation of data-driven and AI-assisted methodologies as applied in contemporary equity markets.
This module will be taught using a combination of lectures, tutorials and investment seminars in the Thomson Reuters financial lab. Learning will be reinforced by appropriate readings from both the textbook and topical articles in the financial press.