ADVANCED FINANCIAL ECONOMICS

Stefano Marzioni

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