Introduction to Financial Markets

  • 4.6
Approx. 8 hours to complete

Course Summary

Learn about the inner workings of financial markets and the various investment options available in this introductory course.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the basics of financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
  • Learn about the risks and rewards of different investment options
  • Explore the impact of economic factors on financial markets

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basics of financial markets and investment options
  • Evaluate the risks and rewards of different investment options
  • Apply economic factors to investment decisions

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior knowledge of finance required
  • Basic understanding of math and statistics

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online self-paced course
  • Video lectures
  • Quizzes and assignments

Similar Courses

  • Investment Management
  • Financial Engineering and Risk Management
  • Corporate Finance Essentials

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
  • Founder and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Bridgewater Associates

Related Books

Description

Learn the general concepts of financial markets and economy. You will see the difference between primary and secondary markets and learn about markets for different products. You will also look at various economic Indicators and their influence on the markets. After completing this course, you will have a much stronger background of financial markets and ready to go to the next stage in the Specialization. This course is designed to help students with very little or no finance background to learn the basics of investments.

Outline

  • Equity Markets
  • 0. Introduction
  • 1. Equities Market : All you wanted to know
  • 2. Secondary Markets : The basics
  • 3. Market timing and movement : Pattern's emerge
  • 4. Understanding financial information : A guide
  • 5. Types of orders : A primer
  • 6. Building your portfolio : Start now
  • 7. Diversification : Never to forget
  • 8. Matching your investments and knowledge : Go with your gut
  • 9. Trading rules : For all times - Part 1
  • 10. Trading rules : For all times - Part 2
  • Quiz 1
  • Currency Markets
  • 1. The foreign exchange markets : Overview of basics
  • 2. Around the world in a trading day : A round up
  • 3. Foreign Exchange Markets and Other Financial Markets : The complete spectrum
  • 1. The Mechanics of Currency Trading : Must follow
  • 2. Profit and Loss : Don't take it personally
  • 3. Understanding currency codes and Trading Strategies : Make you a winner
  • 4. Short term high frequency trading : Finding Direction
  • 5. Medium term directional trading : Define your strategy
  • 6. Developing a disciplined trading plan : Never to forget
  • 7. Getting started with real money : A golden opportunity
  • 8. Types of orders : For all your requirements
  • 9. Managing the trade : Lesson's Learned
  • Quiz 2
  • Fixed Income Markets
  • 1. Bonds : What are they?
  • 2. Interest Rates or Yields : Finding Direction
  • 3. Calling a Bond : Expect the unexpected
  • 4. Bond Ratings : Necessary, not Optional
  • 1. Government Bonds : The favored asset class
  • 2. Agency Bonds
  • 3. Municipal Bonds : Not all bonds are equal
  • Quiz 3
  • Macroeconomic Fundamentals
  • 1. Jobs report : Country's fuel
  • 2. Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) : How confident are you?
  • 3. GDP : The back bone of the economy
  • 4. Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization
  • 5. Consumer Price Index (CPI) : Fixed income investor's enemy
  • 6. Producer Price Index (PPI) : A must know
  • 1. Housing Starts : Navigating through troubled water
  • 2. Retail Sales : Good for financial health
  • 3. Manufacturing Survey : Possible, but not probable consequences
  • 4. Yield Curve : Warning signs
  • 5. Monetary Policy : Central bank's tool
  • Conclusion
  • Quiz 4

Summary of User Reviews

This course on Financial Markets Introduction has received positive reviews from learners. Many users found the course to be informative and engaging, with a good balance of theory and practical examples.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a comprehensive overview of financial markets and their functions.

Pros from User Reviews

  • The course is well-structured and easy to follow.
  • The instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations.
  • The course content is relevant and up-to-date.
  • The assignments and quizzes are challenging but manageable.
  • The course offers valuable insights into the workings of financial markets.

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users felt that the course was too basic and did not cover advanced topics.
  • A few users found the course to be too theoretical and lacking in real-world examples.
  • Some learners experienced technical issues with the course platform.
  • The course may not be suitable for learners who are completely new to finance.
  • A few users felt that the course could be more interactive and engaging.
English
Available now
Approx. 8 hours to complete
Vaidya Nathan
Indian School of Business
Coursera

Instructor

Vaidya Nathan

  • 4.6 Raiting
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