1. Overview of derivative markets and instruments
• Structure of derivative markets (exchange-traded, OTC markets),
• definition and uses of derivatives, types of positions,
• classification of derivative instruments (forward commitments, contingent claims),
• derivatives underlyings (equities, fixed-income instruments, currencies, etc.).
2. Forward commitments
• Principles and essentials of forward commitments,
• forward contracts (basic elements, payoff, settlement),
• futures (standardization, clearing and settlement process),
• swaps (concept, essentials of interest-rate swaps).
3. Contingent claims
• Option contracts (definition, types of options),
• basic parameters of options (exercise price, option premium),
• profits and losses graphs (risk and payoff of simple option positions),
• calculation of profit and losses of simple option positions (ITM, OTM, ATM).
4.Introduction to alternative investments
• Definition and purpose of alternative investments,
• classification (by exclusion and inclusion),
• differences between alternative and traditional assets,
• methods of investing in alternative assets (direct, fund investing),
5. Real assets investment
• Natural resources and commodities (overview and characteristics),
• real estate (forms of real estate ownership, investment categories)
• infrastructure and other real assets,
• advantages and disadvantages of investment approaches.
6. Hedge funds and private equity
• Characteristics and main features of hedge funds,
• overview and types of private equity,
• role of venture capital (steps of stage financing),
• performance and risks of private equity investments.
• Structure of derivative markets (exchange-traded, OTC markets),
• definition and uses of derivatives, types of positions,
• classification of derivative instruments (forward commitments, contingent claims),
• derivatives underlyings (equities, fixed-income instruments, currencies, etc.).
2. Forward commitments
• Principles and essentials of forward commitments,
• forward contracts (basic elements, payoff, settlement),
• futures (standardization, clearing and settlement process),
• swaps (concept, essentials of interest-rate swaps).
3. Contingent claims
• Option contracts (definition, types of options),
• basic parameters of options (exercise price, option premium),
• profits and losses graphs (risk and payoff of simple option positions),
• calculation of profit and losses of simple option positions (ITM, OTM, ATM).
4.Introduction to alternative investments
• Definition and purpose of alternative investments,
• classification (by exclusion and inclusion),
• differences between alternative and traditional assets,
• methods of investing in alternative assets (direct, fund investing),
5. Real assets investment
• Natural resources and commodities (overview and characteristics),
• real estate (forms of real estate ownership, investment categories)
• infrastructure and other real assets,
• advantages and disadvantages of investment approaches.
6. Hedge funds and private equity
• Characteristics and main features of hedge funds,
• overview and types of private equity,
• role of venture capital (steps of stage financing),
• performance and risks of private equity investments.