EC349-Financial Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: EC113 Introductory Microeconomics and EC116 Introductory Mathematics for Economics 1 or EC113 Introductory Microeconomics and IC104 Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance or IC103 Introductory Economics for Business and Finance and IC104 Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance or EC125NU Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Fangya Xu
Email: fangya.xu@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide a rigorous coverage of the economic reasoning underpinning much of modern finance including portfolio theory and asset pricing. It will apply neoclassical financial analysis both as intellectual contributions in their own and as a set of guidelines to financial decision making in the more complex world of uncertainty and market imperfections. It will also discuss the organisation of a modern financial system highlighting the role of financial intermediaries, such as banks, facing market imperfections. 

Aims:

This module aims to provide a rigorous coverage of the economic reasoning underpinning much of modern finance, including portfolio theory and asset pricing. It will apply neoclassical financial analysis both as intellectual contributions in their own and as a set of guidelines to financial decision making in the more complex world of uncertainty and market imperfections. It will also discuss the organisation of a modern financial system highlighting the role of financial intermediaries such as banks, facing market imperfections. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to

• Explain how individuals and firms make financial decisions under certainty


• Discuss the models informing investment decisions relating to forming investment portfolios and pricing risky assets


• Evaluate how capital market imperfections impact the financial theory in the neoclassical environment


• Appreciate the role of financial intermediaries facing capital market imperfections.

Additional outcomes:

Students will improve their ability to translate abstract theoretical concepts into practical solutions to financial problems.

Outline content:

1. Individuals’ and firms’ financial decisions under certainty and in a perfect capital market


2. Selection and pricing of risky assets


3. Capital asset pricing model


4. Organisation of a modern financial system and the role of financial intermediaries

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures. There will be discussions led by the lecturer covering non-assessed structured problems. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		2
Guided independent study:	157		21
Total hours by term	177		23
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	25
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1. One 3-hour unseen written paper, worth 50% of the final module mark.


2. Part 3 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will include one problem set and one test, each worth 25% of the final module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for all modules takes place in August/September of the same year.

Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

• Frank J. Fabozzi, Edwin H. Neave and Guofu Zhou, Financial Economics, John Wiley and Sons, 2012. It is not essential to buy the hardcopy as copies are available from the library. E-book price is around £30. Hardcover price: amazon price around £47; publisher price around £182


• 2. Mishkin and Eakins, Financial Markets and Institutions, Pearson, 8th edition or above, Global edition, 2016. E-book access is available from the Library at no extra cost. Paperback price: around £64

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 9 September 2021