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Learning path 6 of 9

Macroeconomics and financial markets

How the wider economy moves markets. Inflation, interest rates, RBI policy, GDP, government borrowing, currencies, commodities and bonds.

Level
Beginner to intermediate
Lessons
16 ready
Time
About 1 h 30 min published, roughly 9 hours when complete
Module tests
4 of 4 modules

16 lessons in this path. Progress is saved in your browser as you go.

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Company results are shaped by the economy around them. Interest rates change what money costs, inflation changes what it is worth, and currency and commodity prices change what businesses pay and earn.

This path explains the main economic forces in plain English, how they connect to industries and share prices, and how to read economic news without being stampeded by headlines.

Who this path is for

Learners who have finished the foundations path and want to understand the economic news that moves markets.

What you will be able to do

  • Explain inflation, interest rates and RBI monetary policy and how they affect companies.
  • Describe economic cycles, GDP growth and recessions.
  • Explain how currencies, crude oil and bond yields affect different industries.
  • Read market and economic news critically.

Before you start

  • Stock market foundations: This path explains how the economy moves share prices, so you need to know how share prices are set first.

The route, module by module

Take the modules in this order. Filled stops are lessons you have completed; dashed stops are still being written.

  1. Module 1Inflation, interest rates and the RBI

    How inflation is measured, what sets interest rates, and how the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy works.

    1. Measuring inflation in India6 min
    2. Interest rates6 min
    3. RBI monetary policy6 min
    4. Module test: Inflation, interest rates and the RBI10 questions

  2. Module 2Growth, cycles and government

    GDP, employment and consumption, fiscal policy and government borrowing, and the economic cycle.

    1. GDP and economic growth6 min
    2. Employment and consumption6 min
    3. Fiscal policy and government borrowing6 min
    4. Economic cycles and recessions5 min
    5. Module test: Growth, cycles and government10 questions

  3. Module 3Bonds, currencies, flows and commodities

    Bond prices and yields, the yield curve, the rupee, foreign investment flows, and crude oil and other commodity prices.

    1. Bonds and bond yields6 min
    2. The yield curve5 min
    3. Currency movements and the rupee6 min
    4. Foreign investment flows5 min
    5. Crude oil and commodity prices6 min
    6. Module test: Bonds, currencies, flows and commodities10 questions

  4. Module 4Industries, earnings and the news

    How economic conditions affect different industries, the corporate earnings cycle, expectations compared with outcomes, and reading economic news critically.

    1. How economic conditions affect industries6 min
    2. Expectations and surprises5 min
    3. Corporate earnings seasons5 min
    4. Reading market and economic news critically5 min
    5. Module test: Industries, earnings and the news10 questions
  • Investing and portfolio managementBuild and run a portfolio you can stick with. Compounding, diversification, asset allocation, funds, rebalancing and the behaviour that undoes good plans.
  • Practical stock researchResearch a company from scratch. Products and customers, statements, competitors, management, exchange filings, red flags and a written research report.