The Fundamentals of Financial Markets-Level I

Training Description

The Fundamentals of Financial Markets - Level 1 training course provides a clear and structured understanding of how financial markets operate, their key players, and the main traded instruments.

Whether you are new to the field or looking to strengthen your knowledge, this training will equip you with the essential foundations to understand market dynamics, pricing mechanisms, and the fundamental principles of investment.

This course covers the main segments of financial markets: equities, bonds, money market instruments, and derivatives. You will learn to identify different asset classes, understand valuation principles, and interpret key indicators that influence investor decisions.

Through a pedagogical approach combining theory and practical illustrations, you will develop a comprehensive view of financial markets and be able to grasp the challenges related to asset fluctuations, risk management, and investment strategies.

Training Objectives

• Discover the role and functioning of financial markets.
• Understand the financial market ecosystem.
• Explore the characteristics of different asset classes: equities, fixed-income products, forex, and derivatives (options, futures, swaps).
• Identify and analyze the different phases of a complete economic cycle and their influence on various asset classes.

Target Audience

• Reporting officers
• Bank treasurers
• Corporate treasurers

Training Duration

• 2 days (14 hours)

Training Program: Fundamentals of Financial Markets - Level 1

I. Role and Functioning of Financial Markets

• Role of Financial Markets
• Regulated Markets vs Over-the-Counter Markets
• Financial Markets Ecosystem:
• • Investors
  • Traders
  • Hedgers
  • Arbitrageurs

II. Definition and Characteristics of Different Asset Classes

• Listed Assets: equities, fixed income, forex
• Unlisted Assets: private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure
• Derivatives:
• • Role
  • Functioning
  • Types: options, futures, swaps, swaptions

Case Study:

Example of hedging interest rate and currency risk using different derivatives (futures, options, and swaps).

III. Different Economic Cycles

• Main Phases of an Economic Cycle:
• • Early Recovery
  • First-Phase Expansion
  • Late-Phase Expansion
  • Deceleration
  • Contraction

Case Study:

Focus on inflation

• Monetary and Fiscal Policy and Its Influence on Asset Classes
• Role and Functioning of the Central Bank

Case Studies:

• How does the ECB determine short-term rates?
• Focus on quantitative easing
• Inflation: challenges and central bank responses

IV. Asset Management and Economic Cycles

• Which Asset Classes Perform Well in Different Economic Phases?
• • Early Recovery
  • First-Phase Expansion
  • Late-Phase Expansion
  • Deceleration
  • Contraction
• Different Approaches to Asset Management:
• • Quantitative vs Fundamental Approach
  • Bottom-Up vs Top-Down Approach
  • Value vs Growth Investing
  • Types of Major Investment Funds
  • Active vs Passive Management
• Main Hedge Fund Strategies:
• • Long-Short
  • Short Only
  • Event-Driven
  • Distressed
  • Convertible Arbitrage
  • Trend Following

Case Studies:

• Analysis of an investment fund prospectus
• Focus on arbitrage strategies

Ready to get the most out of your training?

Before diving into the session, quickly assess your knowledge and pinpoint exactly what to focus on!

• ✅ Identify your strengths and areas to improve.
• ✅ Maximize the relevance of your learning experience.
• ✅ Start the training fully prepared!

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