Accessibility statement

Stock Investment and Trading - MAN00143M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module provides a practical introduction to the theory and practice of trading equities in a contemporary and professional context. The module critically assesses a range of different investment and trading approaches. You will consider how these strategies operate, their association with key variables such as performance and liquidity and how these strategies can be used practically. We supplement this theoretical examination using the workshops and seminars to discuss and apply how these theoretical methods of trading can be employed and used. This will involve the use of contemporary datasets such as databases such as: Datastream, CRSP and boardex and trading simulation software. Through the use of financial datasets and using a simulated trading platform, the module will facilitate understanding of how real markets operate and practical benefits and drawbacks of different trading and investment strategies.

Module learning outcomes

After successful completion of the module students will be able to:

Subject content

  • Evaluate the professional, theoretical and applied techniques and tools required for stock trading.

  • Comprehend the requirements and expectations needed to become a trading professional.

  • Interpret and analyze financial data by selecting appropriate theoretical and statistical concepts and tools

  • Employ and interpret the efficacy of different trading strategies

  • Assemble a coherent investment strategy using simulation software.

  • Cognitive skills and critical reflection on ethics of trading through self-study and assessments

Academic and graduate skills

  1. Advanced subject specific knowledge and understanding

  2. Cognitive (thinking) skills: through self-study and assessments

  3. Problem solving and analytical skills required to undertake finance calculations and/or estimations.

  4. Ability to conduct research into financial issues through data collection from Refinitiv, WRDS and other financial databases and platforms made available by the school.

  5. Numeracy through the application and use of financial techniques.

Module content

Understanding the trading environment:

  • Introduction to the key markets, instruments and methods of trading.

  • Professional expectations, expected ethical standards and legal environment

Analysis

  • Methods of Trading - following the text and by experts

    • Buffett approaches – the importance of Valuation and Liquidity – workshop using ratios for stock screening

    • Fisher growth Investing – applications of ratios - students to undertake a growth analysis of a firm finding data on financial datasets.

    • Dreman, psychology and contrarian approaches – trading on biases

    • Markowitz and portfolios – developing and assessing portfolios. Betas (avoid teaching much CAPM)

    • Behavioural finance

    • Technical Analysis – moving averages, momentum, trends, convergence etc. and other methods.

    • New Areas- green investing, fin tech and big data issues.

Reflection

  • Assessing trading performance.

  • Ethics of Trading, Market Abuse and Financial Misconduct

Workshops and seminars

Using Refinitive, Undertaking different forms of Analysis, Undertaking an applied simulation of trading and applying different methods of trading using Global Investor Simulation (https://www.globalinvestorsims.com/uk/)

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 70

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Cai, C. X. and Keasey, K. (2022) The Experts and the Evidence. A Practical Guide to Stock Investing. Wiley, Chichester.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.