Chapter 3. Hedging Strategies Using Futures (2 hours)
In Chapter 3, we will describe how hedgers set up hedges to eliminate(or reduce) risk. In this chapter, we mainly
introduce hedge-and-forget strategies.
Chapter 4. Interest Rates (2 hours)
In Chapter 4, we will consider some basic issues about measuring and analysing interest rates. We will
explain the meaning of compounding frequency and continuously compounded interest rates. We will
introduce zero interest rate, par yields, yield curve and bond pricing analysis. We will also discuss forward
rates, forward rate agreements and different theories about the term structure of interest rates.
Chapter 5. Determination of Forward and Futures Prices (2 hours)
In Chapter 5, we will examine how forward prices and futures prices are related to the spot price of the
underlying asset. We will also derive an important result between forward price (or futures price) and spot
price.
Chapter 6. Interest Rate Futures (2 hours)
In Chapter 6, we will explain the popular Treasury bond futures Eurodollar futures contracts that trade in
United States. We will also explain how to use futures contracts to hedge the company's exposure to interest
rate movement.
Chapter 7. Swaps (2 hours)
In Chapter 7, we will know that swaps are agreements between two companies that exchange cash flows in
the future. We will introduce the mechanism of swaps and the popular swaps in the market such as interest
rate swaps.
Chapter 8. Mechanics of Options Markets (2 hours)
In Chapter 8, we will introduce stock options, as well as some simple elements of currency options, stock
index options, and futures options contracts. We will learn the difference between an option contract and a
futures contract.
Chapter 9. Properties of Stock Options (2 hours)
In Chapter 9, we will introduce the factors affecting the price of stock options. We will give a put-call parity,
which is a relationship between the price of European call options, the price of put options, and the
underlying stock price. We will also examine whether American options are exercised in advance.
Chapter 10. Trading Strategies Involving Options (2 hours)
In Chapter 10, we will examine options trading strategies. Including single option and stock strategy, bull
spreads, bear spreads, box spreads, butterfly spreads, calendar spreads, diagonal spreads. Then we will
examine combinations of the above stradies and other payoffs.
Chapter 11. Binomial Trees (3 hours)
In Chapter 11, we will introduce the option pricing model, the binomial trees. We will explain the no-arbitrage
arguments, the numerical method of binomial trees, and the risk-neutral pricing principle.