How to Invest: Modern-Day Financial Decisions

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to invest today, developing a deeper understanding, and making the kind of financial decisions that ensure a bright future.

What topics will you cover?

Introduction to investing – core concepts to avoid costly mistakes Introducing essential concepts that are often not well understood, including: what is a portfolio, what is diversification and why do we diversify, how to determine an appropriate asset allocation based on your personal characteristics.

Is old school still the best school? Cash, bond and stock investments An introduction to the characteristics of each of these investments with a focus on how each generates returns, the risks involved with each asset class, and the practicalities of investing in them.

Property and funds An introduction to property investing considering the risks and returns of different types of property investments including direct and indirect investments. Also, a discussion on managed funds and ETFs focusing on the pros and cons of outsourcing your investments, and issues to consider when selecting a fund manager.

New kids on the block – the rise of Fintech and its impact on global markets

A discussion of how fintechs are changing the face of investments. We will consider how fintech is changing access to financial markets via neobanks and low cost trading platforms, high frequency trading, roboadvice and cryptcurrencies.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

Understand the basic characteristics of different types of investments

Apply basic investing concepts to make sound financial decisions

Consider the suitability of different financial assets for different types of investors

Discuss the impact that new innovations in financial technologies will have on individuals investments