The futures market is one of the largest financial markets in the world. Yet it is a market that is not well known, primarily because of its operational. Forward contracts are similar to futures contracts, but they are handled over the counter. This course provides participants with a detailed look at futures and forward contracts, as well as various aspects of the markets for futures and forward in both Europe and the U.S. Exercises and case studies ensure the practical orientation of the course.

Although derivatives have a reputation of being high-risk financial instruments, they can be used effectively for hedging, arbitrage, financial engineering and speculation. Derivative markets are mostly limited to specialists, because of the complexity, large monetary value and high leverage of these instruments. This course introduces participants to derivatives and their markets, both on exchanges and over the counter.

Because of their flexibility and leveraged nature, options are powerful instruments that can be used effectively for hedging, arbitrage, financial engineering and speculation. This course provides participants with a detailed look at options and various aspects of options markets in both Europe and the U.S.

Swaps are extremely flexible and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. But because swaps are over-the-counter instruments, they are complex and often difficult to understand. This course provides participants with a good understanding of swaps, their characteristics, the different types of swaps that exist and how swap markets operate.