We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Financial Markets

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Professor Robert Shiller, 2013 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences, who is recognized for work in financial markets

Explores financial markets, which is standard knowledge in economics

Topics and subject matter are relevant in an economic context

Offers hands-on lab materials

Course starts a new cohort in June 2017

Does not indicate the specific skills and knowledge the course will build

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Theoretical foundation of financial markets

According to learners, the course provides a solid theoretical foundation in financial markets, delivered with deep insights and passion by Professor Shiller. Many found the content highly valuable for understanding the underlying principles. However, some students felt the course leaned heavily towards theory, being less practical for immediate investing or trading applications. Certain concepts were described as challenging, suggesting some sections may require significant effort or supplemental study, particularly for those without prior background. The overall reception is generally positive, though learners seeking hands-on trading advice might find it less suitable.

May require prior knowledge.

"Having a basic economics or finance background would be very helpful."

"I needed to look up external resources to fully grasp everything."

"Recommend supplementing with readings if you're completely new to the subject."

Strong base in market theory.

"The course provides a solid understanding of financial market theory."

"It really helped me grasp the fundamental concepts underpinning markets."

"Good for getting a foundational theoretical view of how markets work."

Praise for professor's depth.

"Professor Shiller is brilliant and passionate, providing unique insights..."

"I really appreciated learning from a Nobel laureate; his perspective is invaluable."

"His lectures were the highlight, covering complex topics clearly..."

Material can be quite difficult.

"Some of the mathematical parts were hard to follow without a strong background."

"I found certain concepts very challenging and had to rewatch lectures."

"Requires significant mental effort, especially later in the course."

More theory, less application.

"I was hoping for more practical investment strategies, but it's quite theoretical."

"Not the course if you want to learn day trading; it's strictly academic."

"Good theory, but I didn't feel equipped for real-world trading after this."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Markets with these activities:

Read 'Financial Markets' by Robert Shiller

Show steps

Reading 'Financial Markets' by Robert Shiller will provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

View Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Financial Markets' by Robert Shiller.
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Summarize each chapter in your own words.

Practice solving financial math problems

Show steps

Practicing solving financial math problems will improve your problem-solving skills and understanding of financial concepts.

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems and check your answers.
Review the problems you got wrong and try to understand why.

Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham

Show steps

Reading 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham will provide a solid foundation in investment principles and strategies.

View The Intelligent Investor Third Edition,... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham.
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the principles to your own investment portfolio.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Follow tutorials on financial modeling

Show steps

Following tutorials on financial modeling will provide hands-on experience in building financial models.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

Show steps

Find online tutorials on financial modeling.
Follow the tutorials and build your own financial models.
Share your models with others for feedback.

Join a study group or online forum

Show steps

Joining a study group or online forum will provide you with opportunities to discuss the course material with others.

Browse courses on Collaboration

Show steps

Find a study group or online forum that is relevant to the course.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Help other students with their questions.

Develop a financial plan for your future

Show steps

Developing a financial plan for your future will help you achieve your financial goals.

Browse courses on Financial Planning

Show steps

Set your financial goals.
Analyze your current financial situation.
Develop a financial plan to achieve your goals.
Implement your financial plan.
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Develop a financial literacy toolkit for your community

Show steps

Developing a financial literacy toolkit for your community will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course to real-world situations.

Browse courses on Financial Literacy

Show steps

Identify the financial literacy needs of your community.
Develop a toolkit that addresses these needs.
Distribute the toolkit to your community.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the toolkit.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Markets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use their skills to analyze economic and financial data. They make recommendations to individuals and organizations based on their findings. This course may be useful to a Financial Analyst, as it will help them understand the inner workings of financial markets. Financial Analysts use this information to identify trends and make sound investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Financial Advisor

Financial advisors provide financial advice to clients based on their individual needs. They help clients reach their financial goals by recommending appropriate investments. This course may be helpful for a Financial Advisor, as it will provide them with a better understanding of the financial markets so they can make informed recommendations to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor

Investment Banker

Investment bankers help companies raise capital by underwriting and selling new securities. Financial Markets may be useful for Investment Bankers because it will provide them with the knowledge of how to price and sell securities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and organizations. This course is a good fit for Portfolio Managers as it will help them understand how to construct and manage a portfolio, and the current environment of financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks for organizations. This course is a good fit for Risk Managers as it will help them understand the different types of financial risks and how to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for managing the financial operations of an organization. This course may be useful to CFOs as it will enhance their understanding of financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Economist

Economists study how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. Those with a strong foundation in financial markets have a particular advantage. Understanding how financial markets work and how they might impact the economy is paramount to success in this field. This course would be of great help in providing that background.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics and statistical techniques to assess risk. Financial Markets may be a good fit for Actuaries, as it will provide them with a better understanding of the different types of financial risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Auditor

Auditors examine the financial records of organizations to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course is a useful foundation for Auditors, as it will help them understand the different types of financial transactions and how to identify potential fraud.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts help organizations develop and manage their budgets. This Financial Markets course will provide Budget Analysts with a better understanding of financial markets and how they can impact an organization's budget.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. This course is a useful foundation for Credit Analysts as it will help them understand the different types of financial instruments and how to evaluate the risks associated with them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. This course is useful for Financial Planners as it will help them understand the different types of financial products and services available and how to create a financial plan that meets the needs of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Insurance Agent

Insurance Agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. This course may be helpful to Insurance Agents as it will help them understand the different types of insurance products available and how to assess the risks associated with them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Agent

Loan Officer

Loan Officers help individuals and businesses obtain loans. This course may be useful to Loan Officers, as it will help them understand the different types of loans available and how to assess the risks associated with them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Loan Officer

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agents help people buy and sell real estate. Understanding the financial markets may be helpful to Real Estate Agents as it will provide them with insight into the factors that can affect real estate prices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Financial Markets:

Learn Corporate Finance from These Online Courses

5 minute read

Worth Your Time: 81 Online Courses for Career Development

30 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Financial Markets.

Investments

Save

This widely used textbook offers a comprehensive overview of investment principles and strategies. It would be a valuable addition to the course, providing a deeper understanding of investment concepts.

Financial Markets

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Theoretical foundation of financial markets

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

Share

Similar courses