FIE403 Business Cycle Analysis and Macroeconomic Policies

• Topics

  In this course, you will learn how the economy is doing, how can you tell, and what are the likely policy actions. You will learn quantitative methods and empirical insights relevant to the analysis of business cycles. A particular focus is directed to monetary policy and the interaction between business cycles and financial markets. A key feature of the course is the emphasis on present day-to-day developments in the global economy.

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge

  Upon completion of the course, the student can…

  • Analyze business cycles and the interactions between macroeconomic developments and financial markets.
  • Discuss how monetary policy and business cycle events affect interest rates and stock markets.
  • Interpret business cycle indicators and macroeconomic development.
  • Analyze the scarring effect of business cycles on lifetime outcomes.

  Skills

  Upon completion of the course, the student can…

  • Analyze business cycle concepts and chronology.
  • Conduct a quantitative analysis of business cycles, including the decomposition of time series into trend, cycle, seasonal components, as well as forecasts.
  • Apply theories of monetary and fiscal policy and interest rate setting.
  • Evaluate the current business cycle conditions and future developments.

  General competence

  Upon completion of the course, the student can...

  • Analyze economic policy and business cycles.
  • Estimate the business cycle environment for firms.
  • Assess the business cycle environment for individuals.

• Teaching

  The course consists of lectures, guest lectures and project work in groups.

• Compulsory Activity

  • Compulsory assignment (approved/not approved) written in groups of 3-4.

  Previously acquired course approvals are valid.

• Assessment

  4 hours individual take-home exam.

• Grading Scale

  A - F

• Computer tools

  R

• Literature

  The course literature will consist of selected articles, research reports and book chapters, national budget, etc.