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Arshad Ahmad

Markets begins with one of the most common and important elements of the financial system – interest rates. You will learn why interest rates have always been a key barometer in determining the value of everything. You will explore the changing influence of interest rates; the impact of interest rates on consumption, investment and economic growth; and the bizarre realities of negative interest rates. Markets explains how interest rates change the value of all financial instruments, highlighting the role of the bond and stock markets that have toppled empires. We take a closer look at the equity pricing models and equity markets that reverberate across the globe, and explore everything from the first stock ever issued – by the Dutch East India Company – to the little-understood but powerful derivative securities market. By the end of the course, you will have developed insight into the intersections of the financial markets with worlds of policy, politics, and power. You will have demonstrated that insight by teaching an important financial concept and translating a financial product or transaction to someone who will clearly benefit from your advice.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Welcome & Interest Rates
Welcome! This first week will orient you to the specialization and help set you up to make the most of your experience with us in Finance for Everyone: Markets. You will also engage with a fundamental concept that has tremendous influence on financial markets, communicate with your fellow learners, and familiarize yourself with the course culminating project.
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Week 2: Bonds
Week 2 is all about bonds! You will explore this market from its inception to present day, discuss a current curious phenomenon, develop skills for pricing bonds, and have the opportunity to engage in experiencing the market for yourself! Don't forget to continue working towards your course culminating project!
Week 3: Stocks
Week 3 is Stocks week! You will familiarize yourself with this market from its creation to present day, review key moments of market turbulence, develop skills for pricing stocks, and turn your MarketEx focus to experience stocks! As you explore all things stocks, you will continue to prepare your course culminating assignment.
Week 4: Deriviates & Course Presentation
In Week 4, you will synthesize your learnings for Finance for Everyone: Markets. You will participate in a peer review of Presentation materials submitted by your classmates, reflect on your key learnings from this course, and look ahead to Finance for Everyone: Value!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills for pricing bonds, which is a core skill for successful careers in finance
Explores the history of the bond market to present day, which is an interesting topic for learners curious about the evolution of economics and finance
Taught by Arshad Ahmad, who are recognized for their work in finance education
Multi-modal by including videos, readings, and discussions, which offers variety and depth, increasing the accessibility of the material for learners with different preferences
Requires that this course be taken as one in a series, which may be inconvenient to learners who want to take it independently

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Reviews summary

Well-received finance course

According to students, Finance for Everyone: Markets is a well-received course that learners found engaging. Students took away valuable knowledge from the clear, easy to follow lectures and appreciated the knowledgeable and clear instructor. Learners commented that this course is a great way to understand the basics of finance and to prepare for further study in finance.
Learners reported that this course has prepared them for further study in finance.
"It helped me learn regarding the investments in bonds and stocks and regarding the financial markets."
"Overall this was an excellent experience considering it helped me to learn even during this COVID-19 pandemic and allowed me to make use of my spare time by learning something valuable."
Students highly rated the instructor's knowledge and clarity.
"I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Coursera."
"I have loved the learning I have been able to do and look forward to taking many more classes with them ... I don't understand the reviews with low ratings."
"I have never had any problems with them."
Students found the lectures engaging and easy to follow.
"The lectures were super good and easy to follow."
"The level of english and the pronunciation of the teacher was super clear, even if he's not mother tongue."
"I strongly recommend this course to all the people that want to get some fundamentals about financial markets or that are simply curious to know something more about the complex world of finance."
Learners felt that this course is a great way to learn the basics of financial markets.
"This course gives you a broad understanding of how markets work and how interest rates affect everything."
"The course also gives you some ideas on how to compute the 'fair price' of stocks and bonds."
"This was a very insightful course for me as this course allowed me to learn the basics of finance."

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 Finance for Everyone: Markets with these activities:
Solve practice problems on interest rate calculations
Reinforce your understanding of interest rate calculations by working through practice problems that cover different scenarios and formulas.
Browse courses on Time Value of Money
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems using the appropriate formulas.
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham
Gain insights into the principles of value investing and long-term financial success.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Intelligent Investor'.
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes as you go.
  • Summarize the main takeaways from the book.
Follow YouTube video tutorials on bond pricing
Familiarize yourself with the methodologies for pricing bonds, including calculating yield-to-maturity and duration.
Browse courses on Bond Pricing
Show steps
  • Search for videos on YouTube that explain bond pricing concepts.
  • Watch several videos to understand different perspectives on the topic.
  • Take notes or create a summary of the key concepts you learn.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in a peer study group for stock market analysis
Enhance your understanding of stock market analysis by engaging with peers in a dedicated study group, discussing company financials, industry trends, and investment strategies.
Browse courses on Stock Market Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers who are also interested in stock market analysis.
  • Establish a regular meeting time and format for your study group.
  • Take turns presenting your analysis of different stocks or market sectors.
  • Discuss your findings and exchange insights with your peers.
Explore online resources on derivative securities
Expand your knowledge of derivative securities by delving into online resources that provide detailed explanations and examples.
Browse courses on Derivative Securities
Show steps
  • Search for reputable websites and online courses that offer tutorials on derivative securities.
  • Watch videos, read articles, and complete interactive exercises to enhance your understanding.
  • Participate in online forums or discussion groups to engage with other learners.
Develop a presentation on the impact of interest rates on economic growth
Demonstrate your comprehension of how interest rates influence economic growth by creating a presentation that explains the mechanisms and provides examples.
Browse courses on Monetary Policy
Show steps
  • Research the topic and gather relevant data.
  • Develop an outline for your presentation.
  • Create slides that visually represent your findings.
  • Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity and flow.
Build a stock portfolio simulator
Apply your understanding of stock pricing and portfolio management by creating a simulation that allows you to test different investment strategies.
Show steps
  • Design the simulation, including the rules and parameters.
  • Develop the code for the simulation.
  • Test the simulation to ensure it works correctly.
  • Use the simulation to experiment with different investment strategies.
Contribute to open-source projects related to financial data analysis
Apply your knowledge of financial data analysis by actively contributing to open-source projects that involve collecting, cleaning, and analyzing financial data.
Browse courses on Financial Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects that align with your interests in financial data analysis.
  • Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation.
  • Identify a specific area where you can make a contribution.
  • Develop and submit a pull request with your proposed changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Finance for Everyone: Markets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide guidance to companies on business matters. A foundational understanding of financial markets is a must for professionals in this role. Furthermore, Financial Analysts need to be able to evaluate the financial performance of businesses. This course will teach you how to analyze the financial performance of a company, as well as the factors that affect the value of different financial instruments. This course will help you build the foundation you need to get started in financial analysis and propel you to success in this field.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers are the individuals responsible for helping companies raise capital to fund their operations. Professionals in this role must have a strong understanding of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Investment Banker. You will learn how to price bonds and stocks, and you will gain a deep understanding of the forces that drive financial markets.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers are the professionals responsible for managing the investments of their clients. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to make sound investment decisions. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn how to construct and manage a portfolio of investments. This course will help you get started in the field of portfolio management and succeed in this rewarding career.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners provide guidance to individuals and families on financial matters. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to make sound financial planning decisions. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of financial planning services that are available. This course will help you get started in the field of financial planning and prepare you for success in this field.
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance Sales Agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to explain the different types of insurance policies that are available. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of insurance policies that are available. This course will help you get started in the field of insurance sales and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling career in this industry.
Financial Risk Analyst
Financial Risk Analysts are responsible for assessing and managing the financial risks of a company or organization. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to identify and mitigate financial risks. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of financial risks that companies face. This course will help you get started in the field of financial risk analysis and help you succeed in this important role.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to develop and use these models. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of mathematical and statistical models that are used in financial analysis. This course will help you get started in the field of quantitative analysis and build the skills you need to succeed in this exciting field.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess the financial risks of insurance companies and other financial institutions. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to develop and use these models. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of mathematical and statistical models that are used in actuarial science. This course will help you get started in the field of actuarial science and prepare you for a successful career in this challenging field.
Bank Examiner
Bank Examiners are responsible for ensuring that banks are operating in a safe and sound manner. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to assess the risks that banks face. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of financial risks that banks face. This course will help you get started in the field of bank examining and build the foundation you need to excel in this important role.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide guidance to individuals and families on financial matters. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to make sound financial planning decisions. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of financial planning services that are available. This course will help you get started in the field of financial advising and develop the skills you need to succeed in this rewarding career.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts are responsible for assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to assess the risks of lending money to different borrowers. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of credit analysis that are used to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. This course will help you get started in the field of credit analysis and lay the groundwork for a successful career in this important field.
Securities Trader
Securities Traders buy and sell securities for their clients. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to make sound trading decisions. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of securities that are traded. This course will help you get started in the field of securities trading and equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this dynamic field.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Managers manage investment funds that use advanced investment strategies to generate high returns for their investors. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to make sound investment decisions. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of investment strategies that are used by hedge funds. This course will help you get started in the field of hedge fund management and provide you with the foundation you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to understand the impact of economic policies on financial markets. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of economic policies that are used to influence financial markets. This course will help you get started in the field of economics and lay the groundwork for a successful career in this important field.
Commercial Banker
Commercial Bankers provide financial services to businesses. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets in order to be able to provide sound financial advice to their clients. This course will teach you the basics of financial markets, including the bond and stock markets. You will also learn about the different types of financial services that are offered by commercial banks. This course will help you get started in the field of commercial banking and develop the skills you need to succeed in this important role.

Reading list

We've selected 49 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 Finance for Everyone: Markets.
A comprehensive guide to security analysis. is considered the bible of value investing. Though dense and challenging to read at times, it is frequently referenced and highly regarded in the investment world.
Is less accessible than _The Intelligent Investor_ but provides more depth and breadth. Security Analysis classic text that stands as a foundational text in the field of finance.
Is considered a classic. It provides timeless advice for investors of all levels and will supplement even a course in finance.
A comprehensive reference guide to equity asset valuation. covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and portfolio management. It valuable resource for both practitioners and students.
By Benjamin Graham and David Dodd is another classic on investing. It provides a detailed guide to security analysis, which is the process of evaluating the risk and return of an investment.
An advanced textbook on investment theory. provides a deep understanding of the principles of investment. Suitable for those with a strong background in finance and mathematics.
By John Bogle short and concise guide to investing. It provides practical advice on how to build a diversified investment portfolio and achieve your financial goals.
This fun book that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the bond market in the 1980s. It great way to make the concepts you have learned from this course come to life.
A comprehensive guide to derivatives. covers a wide range of topics, including futures, options, swaps, and credit derivatives. It valuable resource for both practitioners and students.
A sweeping history of money and finance, from the earliest forms of currency to the present day. Ferguson provides a broad context for understanding the role of finance in human history. A good background reading for non-finance professionals.
This textbook companion to the course provides a broad overview of various financial markets and the role of differing financial instruments.
Offers a comprehensive overview of investment analysis and portfolio management. It provides valuable insights for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the investment management process.
Cautionary tale about the dangers of leverage and risk. The Long-Term Capital Management hedge fund collapsed in 1998, and this book tells the story of how it happened.
By Frank Fabozzi comprehensive guide to fixed income securities. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of fixed income securities, their risks and returns, and how to analyze and value them.
By Anthony Saunders and Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee comprehensive guide to equity markets. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of equity securities, their risks and returns, and how to analyze and value them.
Classic textbook on investments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the investment process, from asset allocation to portfolio management. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about investing.
Delves into the theory and practice of interest rate models. It provides a strong foundation for understanding the fundamental role of interest rates in financial markets, as explored in the course's 'Welcome & Interest Rates' week.
By Frederic Mishkin and Stanley Eakins comprehensive textbook on financial markets and institutions. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of financial markets and institutions, their roles in the economy, and how they interact with each other.
By Robert McDonald comprehensive guide to derivatives. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of derivatives, their risks and returns, and how to analyze and value them.
Serves as a widely recognized guide to the derivatives markets. It thoroughly covers various types of derivatives and their applications, making it an excellent resource for those interested in derivative instruments.
By Robert McDonald comprehensive handbook on derivatives. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of derivatives, their risks and returns, and how to analyze and value them.
By Frank Fabozzi comprehensive handbook on fixed income securities. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of fixed income securities, their risks and returns, and how to analyze and value them.
Provides a solid foundation in corporate finance principles, including capital budgeting, financial planning, capital structure, and more. It helps to build a strong understanding of corporate financial decision-making.
F you want to dive deeper into equity valuation, this book great resource. It is also a resource that you are likely to refer to in the future if you are consistently working with valuing equities.
Classic guide to value investing. It provides a framework for making investment decisions based on fundamental analysis. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about value investing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of macroeconomic principles and models. It valuable resource for understanding macroeconomic phenomena, such as inflation, economic growth, and unemployment.
This accessible guide promotes a disciplined and low-cost approach to investing. It aligns with the course's focus on financial literacy and provides practical advice for long-term investors.
Delves into the complexities of international financial management and provides valuable insights into global financial markets.
Serves as a classic textbook on economic principles and theories. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of economics.
Provides an overview of financial markets and institutions, including an introduction to financial instruments, markets, and regulation.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance principles, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure, and dividend policy. It offers a solid foundation for understanding the financial decision-making process in businesses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of equity markets. It covers topics such as stock valuation, market efficiency, and behavioral finance. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about equity investing.
Comprehensive reference on derivatives. It covers topics such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about derivatives.
Comprehensive reference on fixed income securities. It covers topics such as bond pricing, yield curves, and credit risk. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about fixed income investing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of derivatives markets and products. It covers topics such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about derivatives.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of microeconomic principles, including consumer behavior, firm behavior, market equilibrium, and welfare economics. It valuable resource for understanding the microeconomic foundations of financial markets.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of econometric methods, including regression analysis, time series analysis, and forecasting. It valuable resource for understanding the statistical techniques used in financial markets.
Provides a unique perspective on wealth creation. It covers topics such as the habits of wealthy people, the importance of saving and investing, and the power of compound interest. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the path to financial independence.
This classic work provides a rigorous treatment of the theory of interest, including topics such as the term structure of interest rates and the Fisher effect. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical foundations of interest rate markets.
Classic parable about the importance of saving and investing. It covers topics such as the importance of a budget, the power of compound interest, and the dangers of debt. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of personal finance.

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