Instructor: Dermot Hayes 294-6185

568C Heady Hall

e-mail: dhayes@iastate.edu

Office Hours: After class and on a drop-in basis

Text Required: Course packet available at CopyWorks, 105 Welch Ave., 292-2620.

Additional readings will be recommended and provided by the instructor.

Course Reading List

Introduction

The purpose of the course is twofold. First, students who complete the course should understand why markets behave as they do and be capable of performing some useful statistical analyses. They will understand the language and concepts used by those involved in the markets and should be prepared to work for commodity trading companies, trade their own accounts, or use these markets for risk management. Second, I will try to develop each student’s understanding of these markets to the point where he or she is familiar with the forefront of the literature in this area. This should help students select relevant research topics at a later date.

Certain differences will exist between this course and typical undergraduate courses. First, students are expected to be self-motivated. If the course content is not of interest, you should drop the class. Second, the course will be taught in an informal manner. I will occasionally ask students to explain certain topics, or to lead class discussions. Also, questions and criticisms are welcome at any time. Third, students are expected to do the readings and homework and to participate in class discussion. Finally, the class presentations will not necessarily follow the readings. Whenever the reading material is relatively straightforward, I will teach the class at a more challenging level.

There will be two exams. The exams will account for 90% of the grade. A class project will account for the remaining 10%. The project will involve a class presentation.

Information about this presentation is attached.

Pretend you have been employed as a consultant by a major agribusiness firm to give a brief market report to senior executives.

Your oral report should discuss the fundamental factors that have recently had an impact on the market you have chosen. You should summarize industry assessments and provide your own subjective opinion. You should also tell the executives which way you expect the markets to move and support you argument with all the means available to you.

I will grade you presentation on the thoroughness of your research, you ability to keep the audience interested, and your "board room" skills. You will find a lot of useful information at the market research department on the fourth floor of Heady Hall.

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WWW Links

        AgriBiz Homepage

        Commodity Trader Information - Market Commentaries and other info
                This link is to the News section of Commodity Trader.Net

        International Futures Group
                Market Research and Reports

         USDA ESS
                Cornell's Mann Library - USDA Economics and Statistical System
 
        Daily USDA Market Wire Service
                The USDA Market Wire Service, Ag. Marketing Service, and Econ and Stats System

        Weather Information