AØKA08216U Financial Econometrics A (F)

Volume 2016/2017
Education

BSc programme in Economics - recommended elective from the 3.year

MSc programme in Economics – elective course

The course is part of the MSc programme in Economics (Financial line) symbolized by ‘F’.

MSc programme in mathematics-economics

Content

The course gives an introduction to the properties and stylized facts of univariate asset returns and their variability with emphasis on modeling of (conditional) volatility. We consider three different modeling approaches to volatility: (1) GARCH-type models, (2) stochastic volatility models (SV), and (3) realized volatility (RV).

The stochastic properties of the processes are analyzed and discussed in detail using mathematical statistical methods. A key tool for the analysis of GARCH-type and SV models is the so-called drift criterion for Markov chains.

Estimation of volatility and volatility models will be based primarily on (quasi) maximum likelihood. This includes applications of the EM-algorithm as well as the Kalman filter.

The theoretical properties of the estimators are analyzed and sufficient conditions for asymptotic normality are stated and verified.

All estimation is carried out in OxMetrics 7.0 and the students are expected to do some amount of coding using the Ox programming language.

The goodness of fit of the models are discussed based on analysis of the model residuals.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Account for properties of stochastic processes used for volatility modelling. This includes strict stationarity, mixing, and geometric ergodicity.

  • Account for properties of maximum likelihood estimators in volatility modelling.

  • Account for properties of Realized Volatility (RV) processes, including continuous-time processes.

  • Account for applications of volatility models, including Value-at-Risk (VaR), option pricing, and forecasting.

Skills

  • Analyze stochastic properties (e.g. weak mixing and finite moments) time series proceses, such as AR and ARCH. This includes verifying a drift criterion.

  • Show (under suitable conditions) that the likelihood-based estimators are asymptotically normal.

  • Implement the estimation of volatility models using the Ox language.

  • Implement the estimation of volatility in relation to for example VaR analysis, forecasting, and option pricing.

  • Analyze the properties of continuous time processes and show how to estimate their quadratic variation consistently.

  • Discuss the suitability of a given (G)ARCH, SV, or continuous time process given well-known stylized facts about financial returns.

Competencies

  • Apply the acquired knowledge and skills in new contexts. For example the student should be able to analyze richer classes of models (such as multidimensional) and carry out estimation of these. Another example is to apply the acquired knowledge when considering linear regression models with financial time series data.

  • Idealy read leading and novel journal articles within financial econometrics.

The course will be based on S. J. Taylor, Asset Price Dynamics, Volatility and Prediction, Princeton University Press, 2007 or 2005 edition (ISBN: 9781400839254), as well as lecture notes handed out during term. 
 

Various journal articles.

The knowldege obtained from Econometrics II (former Econometrics C) before or at the same time the Financial Econometrics A is taken or an equivalent course on introductory time series analysis.
In particular, the student should be familiar with:
1. Linear time series models, such as AR and ARMA.
2. Likelihood-based estimation of linear time series models, including the basic properties of the estimators.
3. Basic misspecification tests in time series models (tests for no-autocorrelation, no-ARCH, and normality).
Lectures and exercise classes.
Schedule:
The course consists of 2 hours of classes (lectures) every week and 2x2 hours every second week and 2 hours of exercise classes every week for 14 weeks.

Please be aware regarding exercise classes:
- That the schedule of the exercise classes is only a pre-planned schedule and that it can be changed until just before the teaching begins without the participants accept. If this happens the participants will be informed or can see it at the above link. After enrollment it can be seen in KUnet and by the app myUCPH.
- That if too many students have wished a specific class, students will be registered randomly at another class. It is not possible to change class after the registration period has expired, unless the registration clashes with another course registration.
- That if not enough registered students or available teachers the exercise classes may be jointed.
- That it is not allowed to participate in an exercise class the student is not registered.
- It has not been decide if all classes will be taught in English.

Timetable and venue:
To see the time and location of classroom please press the link under "Se skema" (See schedule) at the right side of this page (16E means Autumn 2016).

You can find the similar information partly in English at
https:/​/​skema.ku.dk/​ku1617/​uk/​module.htm
-Select Department: “2200-Økonomisk Institut” (and wait for respond)
-Select Module:: “2200-E16; [Name of course]””
-Select Report Type: List
-Select Period: “Efterrår/Autumn – Weeks 30-3”
Press: “ View Timetable”
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Exercises
  • 28
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 133
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 3 hours under invigilation
Individual written closed-book exam at the computers of Copenhagen University.
The exam assignment is given in English and can be answered in English or in Danish. Language must be chosen at the course registration.
Exam registration requirements

The students must pass 3 of the 3  the mandatory assignments in order to register the for the exam.

Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
20% censorship
Exam period

The exam will take place January 6, 2017 at Peter Bangs Vej 36. 2000 Frederiksberg http:/​/​pc-eksamen.ku.dk/​pc_exam The exact time of the exam will be informed in the Self-Service at KUnet.

For enrolled students more information about examination, exam/re-sit, rules etc. is available at the student intranet for Examination (English),student intranet for Examination (KA-Danish) and student intranet for Examination (BA-Danish).

Re-exam

The written re-exam takes place February 10 in the afternoon, 2017 at Peter Bangs Vej 36. 2000 Frederiksberg http:/​/​pc-eksamen.ku.dk/​pc_exam The exact time of the exam will be informed in the Self-Service at KUnet mid-July.

If only a few students have registered for the re-exam, the exam might change to an oral exam including the date for the exam, which will be informed  by the Examination Office.

 

Criteria for exam assesment

Students are assessed on the extent to which they master the learning outcome for the course.

To receive the top grade, the student must be able to demonstrate in an excellent manner that he or she has acquired and can make use of the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in the learning outcomes.

In order to pass the exam the student is required to demonstrate understanding of the material covered in the course. This may include the ability to analyze the stochastic properties of a time serie processes and describe how a given model should be estimated.