Global Financial Markets and Instruments Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to global financial markets and instruments, designed for beginners with a foundational understanding of finance. Over approximately 18 hours, learners will explore key financial assets, market structures, and trading mechanisms. The curriculum blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications, offering flexibility for working professionals. By the end, participants will complete a final project synthesizing their knowledge of financial instruments and market operations.
Module 1: Introduction & Review of Elementary Finance Tools
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Time value of money
- Computing returns on investments
- Discounting and compounding principles
- Basic financial calculations and applications
Module 2: Financial System & Financial Assets: Fixed Income Securities
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Introduction to fixed income securities
- Bond valuation techniques
- Money market instruments
- U.S. Treasury and corporate bonds
Module 3: Financial System & Financial Assets: Equity Securities and Derivatives
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Equity securities and stock markets
- Features of common and preferred shares
- Derivative instruments: futures and options
- Valuation and role in investment management
Module 4: Organization of Financial Markets and Securities Trading
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Mechanics of securities trading
- Types of financial markets and trading venues
- Current trends in financial market operations
- Regulatory and structural aspects
Module 5: Trading Mechanics
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Algorithmic trading basics
- Dark pools and alternative trading systems
- Margin buying and leverage
- Short selling strategies and risks
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Analysis of a global financial market
- Evaluation of selected financial instruments
- Application of trading mechanics and strategies
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic finance concepts
- Understanding of fundamental economic principles
- Basic mathematical and analytical skills
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain the role and function of global financial markets
- Identify and value key financial instruments across asset classes
- Analyze securities trading processes and market structures
- Apply concepts of margin, short selling, and algorithmic trading
- Demonstrate practical understanding of investment and trading strategies