This course, which is the first in the sequence of doctoral seminars offered in finance, is designed to introduce students to the major models of asset pricing and to Rational Expectations models.  All of the material is developed from first principles, so there are no formal prerequisites for taking this seminar.  It is assumed, however, that students are familiar with basic microeconomic theory and have a working knowledge of both calculus and matrix algebra.  The outline that follows provides a brief description of the material that is covered in the course. 

The course begins by dealing with three broad categories of asset pricing models: single-period static models, discrete time intertemporal models, and continuous time models. The course then proceeds to develop rational expectations models: fully revealing equilibrium, noisy rational expectations equilibrium, the Kyle model, its extensions and future directions.  The general approach will be: 

• to examine the economic intuition behind each model
• provide a mathematically rigorous derivation of the model
• discuss the model's important features, and 
• outline the testable implications of the model.

On completion of this course students should understand and be able to apply the processes and applications outlined in the course description.

• Assignments 20%
• Final Exam 80%

10 hours per week

At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree with at least one year of university level study in quantitative analysis, including basic mathematics and data analysis techniques.

It is assumed that students are familiar with basic microeconomic theory and have a working knowledge of both calculus and matrix algebra.

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