Understanding the World of Financial Markets [TTC Audio]

Whether you’re buying a home, saving for retirement, running a business, or just plain speculating, it’s important to understand financial markets. These are the engines of commerce in today’s world, powering economic activity and steering the flow of capital.

Taught by Professor Connel Fullenkamp of Duke University, Understanding the World of Financial Markets is aimed at the ordinary investor and surveys the impressive range of financial markets—from stocks and bonds to futures, options, real estate, private equity, and virtual assets. The course also looks at markets in intangibles, including intellectual property, trademarks, and company reputation, as well as matters such as executive talent, ethical investing, and volatility indexes.

An award-winning teacher of finance with decades of experience, Professor Fullenkamp gives a bird’s-eye view of markets, how they work, and the best strategies for investing in them or using the information they provide.

For example, Professor Fullenkamp compares the investment return on real estate held over a long period versus stocks. For stocks, he contrasts the challenge of actively picking winners as opposed to the more assured returns of passive investing through index funds. And he explains the disappointing performance of the bond market in the wake of the government’s fiscal policy following the 2008 Financial Crisis.

Turning to recent investment vehicles, he explains the rational underpinnings of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens, covering their advantages and risks—and he delves into the controversy over environmental, social, and governance funds (ESGs). His motto is “do your homework,” especially when putting money into the market. This financial markets course is very interesting homework indeed!