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Steven Levine

In this fixed income course, you will learn to distinguish between different types of U.S. dollar-denominated corporate and municipal debt issuance, identify corporate and municipal bonds available to purchase and sell on an online trading platform, grasp the market mechanics underlying each type of fixed income instrument, as well as conduct basic analyses, and flag critical investment risks.

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In this fixed income course, you will learn to distinguish between different types of U.S. dollar-denominated corporate and municipal debt issuance, identify corporate and municipal bonds available to purchase and sell on an online trading platform, grasp the market mechanics underlying each type of fixed income instrument, as well as conduct basic analyses, and flag critical investment risks.

At the end of the course, you should be able to describe different types of corporate and municipal bond products available to buy and sell, some of the related risks you, as an investor, are likely to face, certain ways of mitigating them, as well as how to use an online trading platform to identify available securities to invest in, conduct due diligence, and much more

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Syllabus

Introduction to Municipal Bonds
In this module, you will learn to: differentiate different types of municipal debt-Identify different features of municipal bonds available to purchase and sell on an online trading platform; track the trading performance of municipal bonds in the secondary market; grasp the market mechanics underlying municipal bond issuance; conduct fundamental, governance, and default risk analyses and calculate debt service coverage ratios.
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for those with a keen interest in investing in bonds, particularly corporate and municipal bonds
Introduces students to a wide range of bond products, providing a comprehensive overview of the fixed income market
Taught by industry experts, ensuring that you learn from those with real-world experience
Utilizes an online trading platform, providing hands-on experience in bond trading
Provides practical guidance on conducting due diligence and mitigating investment risks
Requires students to be comfortable with basic financial concepts and have a high school-level understanding of mathematics

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Reviews summary

Foundational u.s. bond investing with practical application

According to learners, "U.S. Bond Investing Basics" is a largely positive and highly practical introduction to the world of U.S. corporate and municipal bonds. Students appreciate the course's ability to clearly explain complex topics like tax implications and risk analysis, making them accessible for beginners. A major strength is its focus on real-world application, particularly using an online trading platform (Interactive Brokers), which many found invaluable for immediate use. However, some with prior finance knowledge found certain modules basic or the pacing occasionally slow, wishing for more in-depth analysis for advanced strategies. Overall, it serves as a solid foundational course.
Covers key aspects like tax, risk, and market mechanics thoroughly.
"The explanations of market mechanics and risk analysis were well-done. I found the section on MSRB's EMMA quite useful."
"I especially liked the breakdown of tax implications for different bond types. The risk management sections were also comprehensive."
"It prepared me well for actual trading. The focus on default risk mitigation was also very practical."
Strong emphasis on real-world use with an online trading platform.
"I particularly appreciated the modules on using an online trading platform – very practical for applying what I learned immediately."
"The detailed walkthroughs on identifying securities and conducting due diligence on the Interactive Brokers platform were invaluable."
"The focus on real-world application, especially with the Interactive Brokers platform, is its strongest asset."
Explains complex bond topics in an easy-to-understand manner.
"This course exceeded my expectations... The instructor clearly explains complex topics... making them accessible."
"Perfect for demystifying bond investing! I've always found bonds intimidating, but this course breaks it down into understandable chunks."
"The instructor does a fantastic job of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-digest manner. This course is a must-take."
Some found the delivery slow or dry, desiring more engaging content.
"The course covers the basics, but it's a bit dry and sometimes feels like a promotion for Interactive Brokers."
"The instructor's voice is a bit monotonous, but the content is undeniably valuable for anyone looking to understand U.S. bonds."
"I found the pace a bit slow at times, and some explanations felt redundant. The delivery could be more engaging."
Excellent for new investors, but may lack depth for experienced learners.
"Good for absolute beginners, but intermediate learners might find it lacking."
"Expected more in-depth analysis... It's more of an introduction... feels too basic for those with prior investment knowledge."
"Decent course for beginners... Not really for experienced traders."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in U.S. Bond Investing Basics with these activities:
Review Corporate Bond Credit Analysis Techniques
Review fundamental corporate bond credit analysis techniques
Browse courses on Credit Analysis
Show steps
  • Revisit the 5 C's of credit.
  • Examine historical and projected financial statements.
  • Read industry reports and news articles.
Follow a Tutorial on Corporate Bond Valuation
Enhance your understanding of corporate bond valuation through guided tutorials
Browse courses on Bond Valuation
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online tutorial or course on corporate bond valuation.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the techniques.
Practice Pricing Municipal Bonds
Sharpen your ability to price municipal bonds through practice exercises
Browse courses on Bond Pricing
Show steps
  • Use an online bond pricing calculator.
  • Work through practice problems from a textbook or online resource.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Join a Study Group for Fixed Income Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own with classmates or colleagues.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and practice problem-solving.

Career center

Learners who complete U.S. Bond Investing Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help organizations raise money by issuing bonds. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in advising clients on which bonds to invest in.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing the investments of their clients. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in making investment decisions for your clients.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide research and analysis on companies and their securities. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing recommendations to clients on which bonds to invest in.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of companies and their debt. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in making recommendations to clients on which bonds to invest in.
Bond Trader
Bond Traders buy and sell bonds for their clients. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in making decisions about which bonds to trade.
Municipal Bond Analyst
Municipal Bond Analysts provide research and analysis on municipal bonds. This course can help you understand the different types of municipal bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing recommendations to clients on which municipal bonds to invest in.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors help individuals and families manage their finances. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to clients on which bonds to invest in.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents help individuals and businesses purchase insurance. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to clients on which bonds to invest in as part of their overall financial plan.
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents help individuals and businesses buy and sell real estate. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to clients on how to finance their real estate purchases.
Loan Officer
Loan Officers help individuals and businesses obtain loans. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to clients on which bonds to invest in as part of their overall financial plan.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants help individuals and businesses with their taxes. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to clients on how to minimize their tax liability.
Auditor
Auditors examine and evaluate the financial records of organizations. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in assessing the financial health of organizations.
Economist
Economists study the economy and economic trends. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in understanding the impact of economic conditions on bond markets.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers study the market for goods and services. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in understanding the demand for bonds and how it affects bond prices.
Business Consultant
Business Consultants help businesses improve their performance. This course can help you understand the different types of bonds available, the risks associated with them, and how to analyze them. This knowledge can be helpful in providing advice to businesses on how to finance their operations.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in U.S. Bond Investing Basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of fixed income securities, including corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and U.S. Treasuries. It covers topics such as valuation, risk analysis, and portfolio management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of fixed income securities. It covers topics such as bond markets, bond pricing, and credit analysis.
While the primary focus of this book is on corporate bonds issued by U.S. companies, the general concepts are applicable to investment grade corporate bonds issued in other developed economies. Specialist fixed income analysts, including those who work with corporate bonds, will find this book helpful as a reference for their work.
This handbook provides detailed credit analysis techniques and covers the full spectrum of credit risk and its management from theory to practice.
Comprehensive reference guide to fixed income securities. It covers topics such as bond markets, bond pricing, and credit analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of municipal bonds, including their risks and returns. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this asset class.
Provides a comprehensive guide to investing in corporate bonds. It covers topics such as credit analysis, bond pricing, and yield curves.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of interest rate derivatives, including their pricing and hedging. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this asset class.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of mortgage-backed securities, including their pricing and risk. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this asset class.
Provides a basic overview of fixed income securities. It covers topics such as bond markets, bond pricing, and credit analysis.
Provides a very basic overview of bonds. It covers topics such as what bonds are, how they work, and how to invest in them.
Provides a very basic overview of corporate bonds. It covers topics such as what corporate bonds are, how they work, and how to invest in them.
Provides a very basic overview of Treasury bonds. It covers topics such as what Treasury bonds are, how they work, and how to invest in them.
Provides a basic overview of bonds. It covers topics such as different types of bonds, bond markets, and bond pricing.

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