Compare and contrast the financial systems of two different countries. Use an institutional approach to describe the system. Comment on the impact on, and response to the GFC in each country
Financial economics is the study of how people, businesses, and institutions make financial decisions It applies economic theory and principles to explain how individuals and corporations acquire funds, utilize them and distribute the corresponding benefits. Financial economics draws on the principles of both microeconomics and macroeconomics to analyze financial decisions in the context of both an economy as a whole and individual entities.
Financial economics involves the analysis of how financial markets, financial instruments and the instruments’ underlying assets affect the decision-making processes of economic agents. It applies the economic principles of games, incentives and strategic behaviour to financial decisions. It also considers the behavior of financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds and brokers.
The five best examples of a financial economics essay topic are as follows:
1. The Impact of Loan Default on the Economy: This topic would look into the effects of loan default on economic performance, the role of credit markets in the economy and the stability of financial and capital markets. This could lead to an exploration of the effect of economic uncertainty on loan default, the extent to which loan defaults are a systemic risk and the impact of credit crunch on the liquidity of capital markets.
2. The Impact of Quantitative Easing on Financial Markets: This topic would look into the mechanism of quantitative easing (QE) as well as its potential effects on financial markets. The essay would analyze and compare the effects of QE on various financial assets, outline the impact of QE on currency markets and examine the implications of a prolonged QE policy.
3. Exploring the Impact of Risk on Financial Decisions: This topic would explore the effect of risk on financial decisions, such as capital budgeting, stock selection and asset allocation. It would analyze how investors perceive risk and how it affects their decision-making process. Furthermore, this essay could investigate the effect of risk premiums on the cost of capital and the potential use of financial derivatives to mitigate risk.
4. The Impact of Financial Innovation on the Global Economy: This topic would look into the potential effects of financial innovation on global economies. It could consider how financial innovations, such as asset-backed securities and structured finance, have changed the way in which markets are traded and how investment decisions are made. It could also look at the potential implications of such innovation on economic performance and risk management.
5. The Role of Central Banks in Financial Stability: This topic would examine the role of central banks in financial stability. It would assess the ability of central banks to respond to financial crises, explore the effectiveness of various policy instruments, and investigate the impact of monetary policy on economic performance. Additionally, it could look into the implications of central banks’ actions on the financial system and economic growth.