Seminar Empirical Finance

In this seminar, teams consisting of up to four students will conduct empirical research in finance. The topics are provided bythe lecturer, however, students are also invited to propose their own topics. After the kick-off meeting, the students start working in groups on a topic.During the paper working period, each team has meetings withthe lecturerto discuss the methodological approach, the data, and the results. In a final block seminar, students present their findings to their peers and the lecturer. Students that participate in this seminar gather valuable experience on how to carry out research in empirical finance and to present their findings in front of an audience. This seminar also serves as an ideal preparation for the Master’s Thesis.

Students that participate in this seminar gather valuable experience on how to carry out research in empirical finance and to present their findings in front of an audience. This seminar also serves as an ideal preparation for the Master’s Thesis.

The literature will be provided by the lecturer.

There will be several meetings between the lecturer and the student teams to discuss the topic, receive feedback, and exchange ideas. In the final block seminar, students receive direct feedback from their peers and the lecturer.

The examination is based on a written seminar paper and a presentation in groups of up to four students. The seminar paper should have a page length of approximately 20 pages and answers an empirical question/questions in finance. The presentation consists of a talk on the topic followed by a Q&A session. Each team member should take an active role in the presentation and the Q&A session.The active participation during the paper working period (self-assessed by the group) and during the Q&A sessions of other groups are also taken into account.

The final grade consists of the following elements:

- Written seminar paper (50%, same grade for all team members)

- Presentation of the results (30%, individually graded)

- Active participation during the paper working period (self-assessed by the group) and during the Q&A sessions of the other groups (20%, individually graded)

Students should have successfully passed the first semester of the MiF Program. Knowledge in statistical analysis (OLS regressions, etc.) or the readiness to acquire those skills during the seminar are expected.

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