ST326 Half Unit
Financial Statistics
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Wai-Fung Lam COL.6.09
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Financial Mathematics and Statistics. This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Either ST202, or ST206 and ST211.
Course content
The course covers key statistical methods and data analytic techniques most relevant to finance. Hands-on experience in analysing financial data in the “R” environment is an essential part of the course. The course includes a selection of the following topics: obtaining financial data, low- and high-frequency financial time series, ARCH-type models for low-frequency volatilities and their simple alternatives, Markowitz portfolio theory and the Capital Asset Pricing Model, concepts and practices in machine learning as applied in financial forecasting, Value at Risk. Will cover classification techniques using random forests and simple trading strategies if time permits.
Teaching
This course will be delivered through a combination of classes, lectures and Q&A sessions totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some of this teaching may be delivered through a combination of classes and flipped-lectures delivered as short online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 9 problem sets in the MT.
Indicative reading
Lecture notes will be provided
Lai, T.L. And Xing H. (2008) Statistical Models and Methods for Financial Markets. Springer.
Tsay, R. S. (2005) Analysis of Financial Time Series. Wiley.
Ruppert, D. (2004) Statistics and Finance – an introduction. Springer.
Fan, Yao (2003) Nonlinear Time Series.
Hastie, Tibshirani, Friedman (2009) The Elements of Statistical Learning.
Haerdle, Simar (2007) Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis.
Assessment
Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Coursework (20%) in the MT.
The course will be assessed by an examination (80%) and a coursework (20%) involving case studies which will be submitted in MT.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2019/20 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 43.6 |
| 2:1 | 27.7 |
| 2:2 | 10.9 |
| Third | 9.9 |
| Fail | 7.9 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Statistics
Total students 2020/21: 60
Average class size 2020/21: 28
Capped 2020/21: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
