ECW2721 - Trade finance and foreign exchange - 2017

This unit focuses on the topics of international finance and trade. This includes the importance of international finance; the balance of payments accounts; the mechanisms for financing international trade; the effect of macroeconomic policies on trade balance; the determination of exchange rates; the operation of foreign exchange markets and alternative exchange rate systems; foreign investment; foreign exchange risk and operating exposure.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. understand payments among nations and macroeconomic policies to adjust balance of payments disequilibrium
2. study the operation of foreign exchange markets and alternative exchange rate systems
3. acquire essential skills for managing foreign exchange risk and operating exposure
4. explain multinational corporations in international trade and the mechanisms for financing international trade
5. demonstrate in the individual assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in this unit.

Within semester assessment: 40% + Examination: 60%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Poon Wai Ching

Students must have passed ECB1101 or ECG1101 or ECS1101 or ECW1101 before undertaking this unit.

ECF2721, ECG2721