ICM107-Securities, Futures and Options

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Nadia Kappou
Email: k.kappou@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Securities, Futures and Options provides learners with the relevant financial knowledge for analysing and valuing different classes of risky assets. It begins with the description of all main asset classes and the basic theory behind market efficiency and investors’ attitude towards financial risk. It then analyses the main framework behind portfolio theory and optimum asset allocation, followed by the introduction of the main pricing models, their applications and limitations. Furthermore, the module provides an in-depth introduction to financial derivatives (futures and options) and their valuation. All the techniques introduced are widely applied in other elements of the programme.

Aims:

Securities, Futures and Options introduces techniques for analysing and valuing different classes of risky assets. It also develops ways of optimally selecting portfolios of such assets and develops models of how these portfolios may be priced in financial markets.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student will be able to: discuss the theoretical basis for the economic analysis of risk; assess the characteristics of individual assets and portfolios of risky assets; construct the mean-variance efficient frontier and identify the optimal risky portfolio for a given universe of risky assets; explain the role of beta as a risk measure in the capital market equilibrium described by the CAPM; discuss the use of the no-arbitrage principle to the pricing of risky a ssets and describe the basic features of the arbitrage pricing theory; explain the fundamentals of forward and futures contracts, their valuation and use in simple hedging strategies; outline financial options, their characteristics and valuation. Apply their knowledge of real world pricing and trading strategies (INVEST sessions).

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop familiarity with sources of financial market data and gain experience in analysing this data in ways closely related to market practice. The seminars will provide students with an opportunity to propose and defend explanations for the observed behaviour of investors and the resulting pattern of returns on risky assets.

Outline content:

Topic 1    Financial assets and investing in securities markets, NPV and stock valuation

Topic 2    Choice under uncertainty

Topic 3    Portfolio theory

Topic 4    The capital asset pricing model

Topic 5    Arbitrage pricing theory

Topic 6    The efficient markets hypothesis

Topic 7    Forwards and Futures

Topic 8a   Introduction to Options

Topic 8b  Options’ basic properties and valuation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

1. Lectures: Ten two-hour lectures cover the topics

2. Seminars: students meet in small groups for a series of seminars. Seminar discussions are based on non-assessed coursework set by the instructors.

3. INVEST Sessions with Grade Point Cash counting towards the final grade. 

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	9
Practicals classes and workshops	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	25
Wider reading (directed)	40
Exam revision/preparation	40
Advance preparation for classes	8
Preparation for seminars	18
Preparation of practical report	10
Group study tasks	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Project output other than dissertation	30
Practical skills assessment	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2.5 hour multiple-choice examination (60% of final mark)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: Group project (up to 6 students in each group), assessing both theoretical and practical elements of the module, (written report of up to 2,500 words, excluding spread-sheet workings and mathematical results). 30% of final mark. Submission date is scheduled within the last two weeks of the autumn term.

INVEST mark (grade point cash): 10% of final mark (full-time programme only). Two assessed trading sessions, taking place over the last two weeks of the autumn term, each counting for 5% of the final mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
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:

50% weighted average mark

Reassessment arrangements:

By written multiple-choice examination only, as part of the overall examination arrangements for the MSc programme.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Calculator priced at around £15

Last updated: 29 March 2022