Economics & Markets explains the macro-economic forces that affect financial markets and investment portfolios enabling advisors to have a deeper conversation about these topics with clients. . It takes a close look at interest rates and the effect on the bond market. . This course introduces the important relationship between interest rates and inflation. This course explores the causes and effects of inflation and how inflation is measured. It studies the goals of fiscal and monetary policies and how they can influence the economy.

Audience: Trust officers with at least three years of personal trust experience who need a deeper understanding of technical trust concepts and how solutions work when applied to client needs.

Learning Objectives: After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the relationships between macro-economic forces and financial markets
• Explain how the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) affects the business cycle  Describe how changes in interest rates affect financial markets and investors
• Describe how inflation affects GDP and investor buying decisions 
• Distinguish between the government’s fiscal policy and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy