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Jeff Praissman, Steven Levine, Andrew Wilkinson, Lucas Deaver, and Mary MacNamara

In this course, will look at industries and economic sectors that neatly define an economy. We will also introduce you to fundamental concepts involved in a company’s annual statements such as balance sheets, cash flows and its income statement, plus explore popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks. And finally, we’ll examine mutual funds and ETFs as alternatives to individual stocks for investing.

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In this course, will look at industries and economic sectors that neatly define an economy. We will also introduce you to fundamental concepts involved in a company’s annual statements such as balance sheets, cash flows and its income statement, plus explore popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks. And finally, we’ll examine mutual funds and ETFs as alternatives to individual stocks for investing.

To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of essential concepts discussed, this course includes a series of practical examples, quizzes, reading materials and a final course project.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Stocks & the Business Cycle
Familiarize yourself with some common terms and concepts surrounding investments, such as capital, types of investors, equilibrium, risks and diversification. Identify the different stages of growth and what happens during each. We'll introduce a couple of tools to improve your grasp of different industries and sectors within the economy. Also, to help you visualize what you have learned about the business cycle.
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Fundamental Analysis
Let’s walk through the basic fundamental accounting concepts covering the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows. This will be followed by a practical demo of additional fundamental tools.
Funds
Acquire certain skills and understanding related to mutual funds and ETFs, including how to identify various product types, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Gain hands-on know-how through a practical demonstration of how to use market scanners an online trading platform. 

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops a basic foundation in accounting principles, which is standard in corporate finance
Taught by instructors who are experienced in investing and finance
Examines fundamental analysis, which is highly relevant to making investment decisions
Covers a range of topics related to investing, including common terms, concepts, and tools
Includes practical examples, quizzes, and a final project to reinforce learning
Assumes no prior knowledge of investing or finance, making it suitable for beginners

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals of equities primer

Learners say that Fundamentals of Equities is an excellent introductory course into foundational concepts of trading and investing. It provides a solid overview of sector investing, financial statements, and the financial markets. Many learners appreciate that the course provides practical hands-on experience through the Interactive Broker (IBKR) platform. Some learners wish it went into greater depth into topics such as specific trading strategies and practical stock selection. Others find the course to be more promotional than educational as it emphasizes the features of the IBKR platform.
Unique integration with the IBKR platform for practical application.
"Great course and helped a lot"
"The best brokerage courcourse"
"E​xcellente material and the integration between and IBKR interface makes easier and faster the learning process."
"Great course briefly explains about sector investing, fundamentals of equities, financial statements overview and the IBKR platform is a great way to learn more about financial products, facts, statistics and reports."
Solid introduction to trading, investing, and key financial concepts.
"Great general introduction to concepts."
"Very Good course!"
"Excellent introduction to trading."
"Excellent introduction"
Some learners wish the course would go into more detail about certain topics.
"The course is complete while more detailed information is still needed."
"I was really interested in understanding how important each item of the Balance Sheet and Income Statements were but unfortunately I feel like the course fell short there."
"It is an advertisement rather than a learning course!!! The videos are fast and do not highlight important content."
Some learners feel that the course focuses more on promoting the IBKR platform than teaching.
"Seems like mostly a pitch for an investment platform than for learning about investing"
"I was expecting some practical guide to trading equitied and stock selection. It looks like they just want people to trade on their platform"
"The course offered little value, as it did not provide potential investors enough usable information to make investment decisions. It was largely an ad for a trading platform."
"A course where the main focus lies on advertising their trading platform."

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 Fundamentals of Equities with these activities:
Join a study group
Engage with classmates, discuss course material, and reinforce your understanding.
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with other students in the course.
  • Meet regularly to review lecture notes, discuss assignments, and prepare for exams.
Read textbook sections
Refresh your understanding of fundamental accounting concepts and financial statements to provide a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Review the textbook sections covering income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows.
  • Take practice questions on these topics.
Complete online tutorials on financial analysis
Supplement your understanding of financial analysis techniques and tools.
Browse courses on Financial Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online tutorials on financial analysis.
  • Complete the tutorials, practicing the techniques demonstrated.
  • Apply the techniques to real-world financial statements.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Ben Graham
Gain insights into value investing and financial analysis to complement the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly.
  • Take notes on key concepts and principles.
  • Discuss the book's ideas with classmates or a study group.
Attend industry conferences
Connect with professionals in the field, exchange ideas, and stay updated on industry trends.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant industry conferences.
  • Attend the conferences, actively participate in discussions, and network with attendees.
  • Follow up with potential connections after the event.
Analyze financial statements
Develop your ability to analyze financial statements and extract meaningful insights.
Show steps
  • Gather financial statements from various companies.
  • Calculate key financial ratios and metrics.
  • Interpret the results and identify trends.
Develop a financial analysis case study
Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world financial analysis scenario.
Browse courses on Case study
Show steps
  • Select a company or industry for analysis.
  • Gather and analyze relevant financial data.
  • Develop a financial analysis report outlining your findings and recommendations.
Volunteer in a finance-related organization
Gain practical experience and apply your skills while contributing to the community.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Identify finance-related volunteering opportunities in your area.
  • Apply for and secure a volunteer position.
  • Fulfill your volunteer responsibilities and actively engage in the organization's activities.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Equities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Portfolio Manager
To be a successful Portfolio Manager, it is necessary to have strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of financial markets. In addition to a strong understanding of financial markets, Portfolio Managers must be able to analyze individual stocks before making investment recommendations. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful because it introduces you to fundamental concepts involved in a company's annual statements, It also covers the basics of fundamental accounting concepts covering the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows.
Fund Manager
To be a successful Fund Manager, one must have a strong understanding of investment management, portfolio management, and financial markets. This includes being able to analyze individual stocks, understand financial statements, and make sound investment decisions. Fundamentals of Equities can help build a solid understanding of fundamental concepts involved in a company's annual statements, and explore popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors must understand their clients' financial situations in order to make suitable recommendations for financial products and services. This requires an understanding of different investment options, portfolio management, and retirement planning. Fundamentals of Equities may be useful because it covers essential concepts involved in a company's annual statements, and explores popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts have to go through various financial documents to make sound investment recommendations. In order to make informed investment decisions, a deep understanding of financial statements is essential. Fundamentals of Equities may help build a foundational background necessary for an Investment Analyst.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts work with complex financial information on a daily basis. To be an effective Financial Analyst, it is required to have knowledge not only in finance, but also in accounting. Knowing how to read financial statements is fundamental. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful because it introduces you to fundamental concepts involved in a company's annual statements such as balance sheets, cash flows and its income statement.
Stockbroker
For a Stockbroker, knowing how to evaluate a company's performance, financial condition, and competitive advantage is key. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful as it dives into key accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows. It also covers important fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks.
Research Analyst
To produce quality research reports and make sound investment recommendations, it is vital for a Research Analyst to have a solid understanding of accounting, finance, markets, and relevant industries. Fundamentals of Equities can help build a strong understanding of fundamental concepts involved in a company's annual statements such as balance sheets, cash flows and its income statement.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners need to have a deep understanding of personal finance, investments, and retirement planning. They must be able to analyze a client's financial situation, risk tolerance, and time horizon, in order to develop and implement a customized financial plan. Fundamentals of Equities may be useful because it covers essential concepts involved in a company's annual statements and popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks, which can benefit a Financial Planner seeking to gain a better understanding of financial markets.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers evaluate and structure financial transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings. They must have a strong understanding of financial markets and a deep knowledge of accounting. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful as it covers fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, and explores popular fundamental values used to filter vast amounts of corporate stocks.
Auditor
Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating financial records and statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. They must have a strong understanding of accounting principles and auditing procedures. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful as it covers fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, which are key areas of focus for Auditors.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and assessing risks that could potentially impact an organization. They must have a strong understanding of finance and accounting, as well as risk management techniques. Fundamentals of Equities can help build a foundation in financial analysis techniques such as the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and organizations to determine their ability to repay debts. They must have a strong understanding of financial analysis techniques and a deep knowledge of credit markets. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful as it covers fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, which are essential for credit analysis.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare tax returns and advise clients on tax matters. They must have a strong understanding of tax laws and accounting principles. Fundamentals of Equities may be helpful as it covers fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, which are essential for tax accounting.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They must have a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and a deep knowledge of compliance procedures. Fundamentals of Equities may be useful because it provides a foundation in fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, which are key areas of focus for Compliance Officers.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance. They must have a strong understanding of business strategy and a deep knowledge of various industries. Fundamentals of Equities may be useful because it provides a foundation in fundamental accounting concepts like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows, which are key areas of focus for Management Consultants.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Fundamentals of Equities.
This comprehensive guide to security analysis is considered the bible of value investing. It provides a detailed overview of the techniques used to evaluate stocks and bonds.
This classic book on value investing must-read for any serious investor. It provides a framework for making sound investment decisions and avoiding common pitfalls.
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of all aspects of hedge funds.
This short and accessible book provides a simple and effective approach to investing. It emphasizes the importance of diversification and long-term investing.
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of all aspects of equity investments.
This textbook provides a detailed overview of modern portfolio theory and investment analysis.
Provides a detailed overview of the techniques used to analyze financial statements. It valuable resource for investors who want to understand how to assess the financial health of a company.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques used to value stocks, bonds, and other investments.

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