FIN08015 2022 Investments Fixed Income & Alternative Investments

General Details

Full Title
Investments Fixed Income & Alternative Investments
Transcript Title
Fixed Income & Alt Investment
Code
FIN08015
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
FIN - Finance
Department
BUS - Business
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Kerry Dolan, Aileen Brennan, Fergal Keane
Programme Membership
SG_BBUSI_H08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business SG_BFINV_K08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business with Finance and Investment (Add-on) SG_BFINA_H08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Finance and Investment SG_BBUSB_H08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business SG_BBUSI_H08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business
Description

This module explores investment strategies in both the fixed income and alternative investment sectors. Students will learn about bond pricing and investment strategies and also how derivative instruments can be used for hedging risk, or speculative purposes. This module builds on learning from "Investments - Portfolio Analysis" and it will be assumed that the student is familiar with concepts and theories covered in that module

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Calculate bond prices, yields and duration

2.

Explore investment management strategies for fixed income security portfolios

3.

Differentiate between various derivative instruments and demonstrate how they can be used to hedge against risk

4.

Explain how derivative instruments facilitate a different approach to risk management in various arena

5.

Model and implement trading positions using derivative instruments

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Learners will be presented with a mix of theory, real world examples and practical assignments

Learners will be presented with a balance of theories, hands-on exercises and case studies to ensure that they have a practical appreciation of bond markets and the alternative investment markets

Module Assessment Strategies

Learners will complete an in-class exam as well as a practical assignment which will reinforce the concepts encountered in this module.

Ongoing informal group discussions and class questions will help ensure that learners aunderstand and can apply the knowledge they are learning

Repeat Assessments

Repeat examination will be scheduled where required. A student who has not passed overall, but who has successfully completed CA can repeat exam only; however a student who has not completed any CA may not have met all learning outcomes sufficiently and so may be required to submit practical work as specified by the lecturer in addition to, or instead of, a repeat exam.

Indicative Syllabus

Fixed Income Securities

  • Understand the characteristics of bonds and of the bond markets
  • Calculate price, yield and duration of bonds
  • Bond Management Styles - Passive v Active

Derivatives

  • Describe the purpose and mechanism of various derivative products
  • Demonstrate the use of derivatives for both speculative purposes and to manage risk
  • Explore the pricing of different derivatives

Use of Derivatives

  • Investment Funds
  • ETF's
  • Hedge Funds
  • Alternative Investments
  • Commodities Markets
  • Foreign Exchange Markets

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 In class short answer exam Coursework Assessment Assessment 15 % Week 6 1,2
2 Model and Implement a Derivatives Position Coursework Assessment Project 25 % Week 9 3,5
3 Review of Derivatives Portfolio Performance Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 10 % End of Semester

End of Semester / Year Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Final Exam Final Exam Closed Book Exam 50 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Tiered Classroom Lectures or group work (1 hour will need to be in a lab per semester) 3 Weekly 3.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Case studies, research 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Recommended Reading
2019-05-31 Fundamentals of Investment
ISBN 113806162X ISBN-13 9781138061620

Post the Financial Crash, the role of regulation and the impact of regulation on all aspects of the financial industry has broadened and intensified. This book offers a comprehensive review of the operations of the industry post-financial crisis from a variety of perspectives. This new edition builds upon the authors' predecessor book, Fundamentals of Investment: An Irish Perspective. The core of the original text is retained particularly concerning fundamental concepts such as discounted cash flow valuation techniques. Changes in this new text are driven by two important factors. First, the long shadow of the Global Financial Crisis and the ensuing Great Recession continues to impact economies and financial markets. Second, the new text adopts a more international perspective with a focus on the UK and Ireland. The authors present the reader with a clear linkage between investment theory and concepts (the 'fundamentals') and the practical application of these concepts to the financial planning and advisory process. This practical perspective is driven by the decades-long fund management and stockbroking experience of the authors. Investment knowledge is a core competence required by large numbers of organisations and individuals in the financial services industry. This new edition will be an invaluable resource for financial advisers, financial planners and those engaged in advisory and/or support functions across the investment industry. Those taking investment modules in third-level educational institutes will find this book to be a useful complement to the more academically focused textbooks. l application of these concepts to the financial planning and advisory process. This practical perspective is driven by the decades-long fund management and stockbroking experience of the authors. Investment knowledge is a core competence required by large numbers of organisations and individuals in the financial services industry. This new edition will be an invaluable resource for financial advisers, financial planners and those engaged in advisory and/or support functions across the investment industry. Those taking investment modules in third-level educational institutes will find this book to be a useful complement to the more academically focused textbooks.

Recommended Reading
2014-07-06 Fundamentals of Investments: Valuation and Management McGraw Hill Higher Education
ISBN 1259253627 ISBN-13 9781259253621

Fundamentals of Investments focuses on students as investment managers, giving them information to act on by placing theory and research in the proper context. The text offers a balanced, unified treatment of the four main types of financial investments-stocks, bonds, options, and futures. Topics are organized in a way that makes them easy to apply-whether to a portfolio simulation or to real life-and supported with hands-on activities. Then, resources within Connect Plus help students solve financial problems and apply what they've learned. Jordan's managerial perspective and superior pedagogy combine with a complete digital solution to help students achieve higher outcomes in the course.

Recommended Reading
2010-12-07 All About Derivatives Second Edition (All About Series) McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 0071743510 ISBN-13 9780071743518

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DERIVATIVES

All About Derivatives, Second Edition, presents the complex subject of financial derivatives with a clarity and coherence you wont find in other books. Using real-world examples and simple language, it lucidly illustrates what derivatives are and why they are so powerful. This second edition of All About Derivatives provides a rock-solid foundation on:

  • The most common contracts available to you in today's market
  • Key concepts such as cost of carry, settlement, valuation, and payoff
  • Proven methods for establishing fair value
  • How leverage can work for you--and against you
  • The various derivative contracts traded today, including forwards, futures, swaps, and options
  • Pricing methods and mathematics for determining fair value
  • Hedging strategies for managing and reducing different types of risk

INCLUDES A BRAND-NEW CHAPTER ON THE ROLE DERIVATIVES PLAYED IN THE 2008 FINANCIAL MELTDOWN

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

 

 

Journal Resources
URL Resources

http://www.investopedia.com

http://www.cboe.com

 

Other Resources

On line journals, business section of reputable newspapers

Other resources to be provided via moodle

Additional Information

N/A