ECF2721 · Trade finance and foreign exchange

Overview

This unit focuses on the topics of international finance and trade. This includes the importance of international finance, the determination of exchange rates, foreign investment, parity conditions, hedging and speculation in foreign exchange markets, foreign exchange markets-spot, forward, futures and options markets, the balance of payments accounts and the effect of macroeconomic policies on trade balance.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. understand the operation of foreign exchange markets
2. understand the key factors that influence international financial markets
3. analyse and evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of the various exchange rate systems
4. understand the concept of payments among nations and macroeconomic policies
5. understand and analyse the interactions among the foreign exchange rate, trades, and macroeconomic policies.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.