Anticipated study time : 27½  – 42½  hours

The Introduction to Financial Markets module comprises 15 topics introducing the learner to the fascinating, complex and rapidly changing world of financial markets.  The module endeavours to explain some of the more commonly encountered financial market terminology while introducing the learner to a range of different financial markets plus a variety of aspects related to these markets and the financial system.

The module kicks off with topics dealing with the economy, the financial system and the financial institutions that exist in South Africa. International investment, custody and financial legislation are discussed, before the learner is introduced to a variety of financial markets and the financial instruments that trade on these markets. Equities, interest-bearing securities, derivatives, property, collective investment schemes (unit trusts), hedge funds, and securities lending are all covered at a high level in this module. Finally, the module deals with retirement funds, portfolio management and portfolio performance.