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FIN101 Financial Markets and Economic Principles

This subject focuses on an overview of Australian financial markets and the influence of economic developments on these markets; an understanding of which is fundamental to later Applied Finance subjects. It introduces key economic principles and provides an overview of the forces that drive economic markets, and then moves into a discussion of the different asset classes, equities, foreign exchange and commodities, derivatives, financial products, and funds management. Students follow a fictitious case study through much of the assessment, so that they may apply their understanding of the above concepts and explore a number of issues that could apply to a company after certain market events have occurred, using a realistic scenario.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

  • Learning outcomes

    • On the successful completion of this subject individuals should be able to:

      1. Explain the interrelationships of the major domestic and global market sectors.
      2. Explain the role of intermediaries in financial markets.
      3. Assess the changes and impact of key economic and financial indicators on the Australian financial markets.
      4. Assess the changes and impact of government and monetary policy on the Australian financial markets.
      5. Compare how the different asset classes are used and traded.
      6. Explain financial products and the drivers that influence their development and packaging.
      7. Analyse current issues driving domestic and global financial markets in a given scenario.
  • Subject content
    • Topic Title
      Topic 1 Overview of global financial markets and participants
      Topic 2 Economic Principles
      Topic 3 Economic Management
      Topic 4 Forces that drive financial markets
      Topic 5 Asset classes
      Topic 6 The role of equity in financial markets
      Topic 7 Foreign exchange and commodity markets
      Topic 8 The derivatives market
      Topic 9 Financial products and managed investments
  • Duration

    • The duration of this subject is one study period (12 weeks).

  • Assessment
  • Prerequisites

    • There are no prerequisites for this subject.

      However, individuals should review the ‘Assumed Knowledge’ tab to understand the prior knowledge Kaplan advises they should hold before enrolling in this subject.

  • Assumed knowledge

    • Not applicable.

  • Course transition subject equivalence

    • Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan course and have completed the following subjects:

      • FIN111 Financial Markets and Economic Principles
      • C1 Financial Markets and Economics.
  • Reading list

    • There is no prescribed text for this subject.

      Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.