This course will provide a set of tools to analyze the interaction between monetary policy, the real economy and the financial sector. Topics covered include: financial markets, how does the recent financial turmoil affect the economy, what are the reactions of the central banks in these circumstances, monetary policy strategies such as quantitative easing, credit easing and other unconventional policies, banking and financial intermediation, exchange rates and international financial system. The course will combine a study of the relevant theory with applications to recent events and policy issues.