MANG3020 Futures and Options
Module Overview
In the last 30 years derivatives have become increasingly important in finance and many different types of derivatives are actively traded on exchanges throughout the world. This module explores the pricing and use forwards, futures and options with a particular focus on contracts where the underlying asset is a financial asset - for example, a stock index (i.e. stock index futures or stock index options). Students will learn how to price these derivatives using various techniques as well as understand how we can use them for (i) speculating purposes, (ii) hedging strategies and (iii) cases where there are arbitrage opportunities.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
The main aim of the module is to provide students with a solid background in futures, forwards and options with a particular focus on contracts where the underlying asset is a stock market index. Important analytical skills will be developed including the use of these financial instruments to form various trading strategies under realistic scenarios as well as the application of appropriate pricing models to determine their value. Finally, students will become familiar with the different dimensions of risk that need to be managed when dynamic hedging is involved.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The concepts and market mechanics of different types of financial derivatives.
- How financial derivatives are valued, based on the no-arbitrage and risk-neutral valuation approaches.
- How these instruments can be used to implement risk management strategies.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Differentiate among different types of derivative products.
- Price forwards, futures and options using suitable models and techniques.
- Explain and apply trading/hedging strategies using futures and options.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Solve problems with respect to financial derivatives.
- Identify appropriate techniques and apply them to particular problems.
- Enhance quantitative skills.
Syllabus
• Introduction to Forwards, Futures and Options. • Hedging with Forwards and Futures. • Pricing of Forward and Futures. • Mechanics of Options Markets. • Stock Option Trading Strategies. • Mathematics of Options Pricing. • Stochastic Processes and Ito's Lemma. • The Black-Scholes-Merton Model. • Dynamic Hedging and Risk Management with Options.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module will last one semester. It consists of about 30 sessions of 45 minutes each. These will be divided into about 20 lectures and 10 classes.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 75 |
| Wider reading or practice | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 35 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
John C. Hull (2012). Options, Futures and Other Derivatives.
Assessment
Formative
Class discussions
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 80% |
| Multiple choice Test (1 hours) | 20% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: MANG2004, Portfolio Theory and Financial Markets Note: Some background in maths and statistics is required.
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Textbooks
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase the core/recommended text as appropriate.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.