Understanding Investments: A Comprehensive Guide
Course Overview
Course No. 5724
Master the fundamentals of investing with economist Professor Connel Fullenkamp in this 24-lecture course designed for both new and experienced investors. Learn:
✔ How different financial markets operate
✔ Key investment vehicles and their pros/cons
✔ Analytical tools for smart investment decisions
✔ Strategies for long-term financial planning
Course highlights:
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds explained
- ETFs and modern investment options
- Financial statement analysis techniques
- Risk management and diversification
- Retirement and financial goal planning
Video Lectures
01: How to Stop Worrying and Start Investing
Duration: 31 min
Overcome common investment fears and learn fundamental concepts for confident investing.
02: How Investors Make Money
Duration: 30 min
Explore the Efficient Market Hypothesis and how it shapes investment strategies.
03: Starting with Stocks
Duration: 28 min
Stock market basics: dealers vs brokers, order types, and why stocks are great learning tools.
04: The Basics of Bonds
Duration: 28 min
Bond types, features, and laddering strategies for consistent income.
05: Introduction to Mutual Funds
Duration: 31 min
How pooled investments work and how to read a summary prospectus.
06: What Are Exchange-Traded Funds?
Duration: 30 min
ETFs vs mutual funds: advantages and how depository receipts function.
07: Financial Statement Analysis
Duration: 29 min
Reading income statements and balance sheets to assess company health.
08: P/E Ratios and the Method of Comparables
Duration: 31 min
Using valuation models and price-to-earnings ratios to evaluate stocks.
09: Fundamentals-Based Analysis of Stocks
Duration: 30 min
The Dividend Discount Model for stock valuation.
10: Startup Companies and IPOs
Duration: 30 min
IPO processes including Dutch auctions and participation considerations.
11: Why Should You Care about Dividends?
Duration: 29 min
Dividends as value indicators and other shareholder rewards.
12: Using Leverage
Duration: 29 min
Understanding margin requirements, short sales, and risk/reward of leverage.
13: Choosing Bonds
Duration: 29 min
Key bond selection factors: default risk, inflation protection, and tax implications.
14: Bond School
Duration: 30 min
Bond trading terminology, pricing, and market practices.
15: Picking Mutual Funds
Duration: 29 min
Navigating mutual fund choices by assets, goals, and diversification.
16: Investing in Foreign Assets
Duration: 31 min
Global investment opportunities and considerations.
17: Options Are for Everyone
Duration: 28 min
Stock/index options basics and covered call strategies.
18: Real Estate and Commodities
Duration: 29 min
REITs and commodity ETFs for portfolio diversification.
19: Cycles and Market Timing
Duration: 29 min
Financial market, business, and credit cycles in investment decisions.
20: Deciding When to Sell
Duration: 29 min
Overcoming emotional barriers to selling investments.
21: Risk, Return, and Diversification
Duration: 30 min
Debunking risk/return myths and proper diversification techniques.
22: Time Value of Money
Duration: 31 min
Key calculations for comparing investments and projecting returns.
23: Financial Planning
Duration: 28 min
Applying investment knowledge to retirement and financial goals.
24: Taking Charge of Your Investments
Duration: 30 min
Turning investments into retirement income and financial reality.

