3.
Class Notes: Financial Markets & Trading Strategies
1. Introduction to Financial Markets
Definition: Platforms where buyers and sellers exchange assets
Types: Stock markets, bond markets, forex, commodities, derivatives
2. Market Participants
Retail Investors: Individual traders investing in stocks, crypto, etc.
Institutional Investors: Hedge funds, pension funds, banks
Market Makers: Provide liquidity by placing simultaneous buy & sell orders
3. Trading Strategies
A. Technical Analysis
Uses historical price charts and indicators
Common indicators:
Moving Averages (SMA, EMA): Trend-following tools
Relative Strength Index (RSI): Measures overbought/oversold conditions
Fibonacci Retracement: Identifies potential reversal points
B. Fundamental Analysis
Evaluates intrinsic value based on financial health
Key Metrics:
Earnings per Share (EPS): Profit allocated per stock share
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Valuation measure
Debt-to-Equity (D/E) Ratio: Financial leverage indicator
C. Risk Management Strategies
Stop-Loss Orders: Automatically exits a trade when a predefined price is hit
Diversification: Investing in multiple asset classes to reduce risk
Hedging: Using derivatives like options to protect against losses
4. Market Regulations
Role of SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and CFTC
Importance of compliance with insider trading laws
5. Summary & Additional Resources
Key Takeaways: Use a mix of fundamental & technical analysis for trading
Recommended Books: The Intelligent Investor, Technical Analysis of Financial
Markets