Navigating the intricate world of investment securities can be daunting, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. This course offers a comprehensive solution to this challenge, providing a deep dive into the securities market and the myriad types of investment securities, including stocks, bonds, options, futures, and mutual funds. It agitates the problem of understanding the complex risk-return characteristics of each investment type and presents a thorough analysis of investment principles and tools. By focusing on investment analysis, asset allocation, portfolio selection, and management, this course not only explains what's available for investment but also delves into the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each investment category. It's designed for finance professionals looking to demystify the securities market and make informed, suitable investment decisions for themselves and their clients.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Chapter 1
• Differentiate between the different types of investments, financial versus real assets, direct versus indirect, and liquid versus illiquid;
• Identify the features and attributes of stocks and bonds, and the drawbacks and benefits of each;
Chapter 2
• Recognize various aspects of securities and transactions;
• Identify advantages and disadvantages of buying stock on margin and selling stock short;
Chapter 3
• Recognize the income and return on investments and how it is measured;
• Identify different investment risk factors and how they affect investment return;
Chapter 4
• Identify the benefits and objectives of fundamental analysis of investments;
• Recognize key financial ratios and how they are applied financial statements;
Chapter 5
• Recognize the tools of technical analysis;
• Identify the key indicators of market and stock performance and how they are used;
Chapter 6
• Recognize the characteristics of common stock;
Chapter 7
• Recognize the fundamental valuations of common stock;
• Differentiate price/earnings ratio approaches;
Chapter 8
• Recognize the characteristics of the different types of bonds including agencies, types, bond yields, interest rates, prices and risk;
Chapter 9
• Recognize the key terms and attributes for investing in options;
Chapter 10
• Recognize key attributes of futures contracts and commodities and how they relate to investment decisions;
• Identify the uses of and differences between various types of financial futures;
Chapter 11
• Recognize the advantages and risks of global investing;
• Identify the methods of investing in international markets;
Chapter 12
• Recognize the attributes of tax advantaged investments like real estate investment trusts (REITs); and
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of retirement funds.
Major Topics
Getting Started as an Investor
Financial Markets
Investment Process
Return and Risk
Fundamental Analysis
Technical Analysis
Common Stocks and Preferred Stocks
Common Stock Valuation
Fixed Income Securities
Investing in Options
Future Contracts
Global Investing
Tax-Advantage Investments
Investing in Mutual Funds, Index Funds and ETFs
Diversification, Portfolio Construction and Asset Allocation
