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.