FNPL 201 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Selection

Upon the completion of this course students will understand the variety of investment vehicles offered today. Students will better self-advise or advise others in financial investments in the following areas: long-term securities, stocks and bonds, limited income securities, treasury bills, and mutual funds. An overview of analytical techniques, construction of an investment portfolio, and tax considerations will be presented as well.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define investment, participants in the investment process and types of investors.
   
2. 2. List the basic types of security transactions.
   
3. 3. Explain the difference between investing in common stock and investing in fixed-income securities.
   
4. 4. Identify the qualities of options, futures and tangible investments which cause these vehicles to be
   speculative.
   
5. 5. Describe the characteristics of mutual funds, real estate investments and tax shelters.
   
6. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the various investments by constructing a personal retirement plan.
   
7. 7. Calculate and interpret the risk and return on an investment.
   
8. 8. Analyze the suitability of an investment by discounting its cash flows.
9. 9. Evaluate the financial strength of a company by using fundamental analysis.
10. 10. Design a personal financial plan utilizing an extensive computer package which appraises an individual's
    current situation, selects suitable investments and compares the results with existing alternatives.
    

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define investment, participants in the investment process and types of investors.
   
2. 2. List the basic types of security transactions.
   
3. 3. Explain the difference between investing in common stock and investing in fixed-income securities.
   
4. 4. Identify the qualities of options, futures and tangible investments which cause these vehicles to be
   speculative.
   
5. 5. Describe the characteristics of mutual funds, real estate investments and tax shelters.
   
6. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the various investments by constructing a personal retirement plan.
   
7. 7. Calculate and interpret the risk and return on an investment.
   
8. 8. Analyze the suitability of an investment by discounting its cash flows.
9. 9. Evaluate the financial strength of a company by using fundamental analysis.
10. 10. Design a personal financial plan utilizing an extensive computer package which appraises an individual's
    current situation, selects suitable investments and compares the results with existing alternatives.