ECO 248 INTRO FINANC INSTIT & MARKETS

Economic functions of financial systems. Major types of financial institutions and markets. Basic valuation of securities and investment projects. Theory of financial market efficiency and randomness of price fluctuations. Comparison of financial systems in developed and developing countries. Recent trends: deregulation, disintermediation, securitization, globalization, and the growth of derivatives markets. Causes and consequences of financial crises.