Instructional goals
This course analyses causes and implications of financial market anomalies. After a review of rational choice under uncertainty and equilibrium pricing of risk, we will show that rationality alone is not sufficient to rule out bubbles and herd behavior. We then focus on behavioral departures from the expected utility theory. We eventually will go through macroeconomic implications of market anomalies. The practice sessions will cover from very introductory Python basics to more advanced Python topics.
Prerequisites
Set by Department.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have acquired a deeper understanding of the economic theories that contribute to explain market anomalies. At the end of the course students will also be able to code properly in order to test selected theoretical models.
Students will have the ability to infer the potential departures from fundamentals-based pricing and to discuss the potential causes and limits of the adopted theoretical approach.
Course Contents
Review of choice under uncertainty; rational bubbles; Social learning; behavioral models for finance; macroeconomic implications of financial markets anomalies. Python-based techniques for data-driven analysis.
Reference Books
Slides and selected articles provided by the teacher
Teaching Methods
Lectures, practice sessions, in-class assignments
Assessment Method
Two project works (30%)
Advancement test (40%)
Final written exam (30%)
Thesis assignment criteria
Strong interest in the topics developed in the course and in reading advanced scientific articles.
Week 1 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Review of choice under uncertainty
Week 2 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
The transmission mechanisms of monetary policy.
Week 3 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Rational bubbles
Week 4 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Bayesian framework of social learning
Week 5 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Social learning, informational cascades and herds
Week 6 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Introduction to behavioral finance and market anomalies
Week 7 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
The Schiller test for EMH
Week 8 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Noise-traders
Week 9 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Short-termism and prospect theory
Week 10 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Prospect theory
Week 11 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Macroeconomic implications of financial market anomalies
Week 12 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Macro-finance models