FNCR1215

The main objective of this course is to provide students with a framework for making financial decisions related to Investments. The course focuses on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, REITs, annuities, and other investment alternatives. The course will convey practical knowledge of investments to anyone interested in understanding investments and the management of their personal finances. The course will provide students with an understanding of the essential features of various investment instruments, their risk-reward relationships, the appropriateness of the instrument, and how the market operates for buying and selling the various investments.

Students will follow and analyze the performance of individual investments and a portfolio of investments with a written analysis report and presentation. Students planning a career in accounting, the financial industry, consulting, and/or general management will find the knowledge acquired in this course very relevant.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Understand the basics of investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• Explain the role and structure of security markets.
• Recognize the players in the financial markets: Firms, Households, and Government.
• Apply economic and industry analysis to investment analysis.
• Determine the value of individual securities, such as stocks and bonds.
• Explain the role and structure of mutual funds and investment companies.
• Solve valuation problems using investment models.
• Conduct primary and secondary investment research while performing investment analysis.
• Recognize the results of portfolio diversification and asset allocation on risk and returns.
• Explain the different portfolio theories.
• Demonstrate knowledge of active investment management to meet specific goals and objectives