3.8 (5 reviews)
Ensure your future financial security with a comprehensive course on how to invest in today’s diverse markets.
Join - $14What's included?
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
2 hours
Premium course
$14What's included?
How to Invest: Modern-Day Financial Decisions
Join - $14What's included?
Overview
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What's included
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Overview
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Get the knowledge you need to make your best financial decisions
Today, financial stability and security is more dependent than ever on the investment decisions that individuals make. At the same time, making these choices and identifying opportunities is becoming increasingly difficult.
With traditional and new investment options making markets more complex, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic having a significant effect on stocks, deciding how to invest is often very confusing. This four-week course from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) will give you the knowledge you need to do that with confidence.
Get familiar with important investing fundamentals
The course starts with an introduction to modern and traditional investment opportunities, and basic investment concepts. You’ll learn how to apply these concepts when deciding where to put your money, and will see how different financial assets (from cryptocurrencies to stocks and bonds) suit different types of investors.
Apply your knowledge and make smart financial decisions
As the course progresses you’ll get to explore new financial technologies and innovations, find out how to avoid costly mistakes, compare investment opportunities, and several other essential topics. The theory will give you the know-how you need to identify the investment options that are right for you.
Learn how to invest with AUT’s world-class experts
AUT is the ideal institution to teach you about making sound financial decisions. Its internationally-ranked department is staffed by published academics with experience in old-school investments and insight into emerging options. With their blend of theory and real-world situations, you’ll soon be investing with confidence.
What topics will youcover?
- Introduction to investing – core concepts to avoid costly mistakesIntroducing essential concepts that are often not well understood, including: what is a portfolio, what is diversification and why do we diversify, how to determine an appropriate asset allocation based on your personal characteristics.
- Is old school still the best school? Cash, bond and stock investments An introduction to the characteristics of each of these investments with a focus on how each generates returns, the risks involved with each asset class, and the practicalities of investing in them.
- Property and fundsAn introduction to property investing considering the risks and returns of different types of property investments including direct and indirect investments. Also, a discussion on managed funds and ETFs focusing on the pros and cons of outsourcing your investments, and issues to consider when selecting a fund manager.
- New kids on the block – the rise of Fintech and its impact on global markets
A discussion of how fintechs are changing the face of investments. We will consider how fintech is changing access to financial markets via neobanks and low cost trading platforms, high frequency trading, roboadvice and cryptcurrencies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Join - $14
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
Understand the basic characteristics of different types of investments
Apply basic investing concepts to make sound financial decisions
Consider the suitability of different financial assets for different types of investors
Discuss the impact that new innovations in financial technologies will have on individuals investments
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to invest today, developing a deeper understanding, and making the kind of financial decisions that ensure a bright future.
Who developed the course?
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is located in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and economic hub. AUT is a contemporary and connected study destination that aims to produce well-rounded, sought-after graduates. They have been a university since 2000 but a place of learning for 120 years and operate in accordance with the Education Act (1989). AUT has established itself as an institution of global standing and impact.
Established
2000
Location
Auckland, New Zealand
World ranking
Top 440Source: QS World University Rankings 2021
What's included?
This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.
Unlimited access to this course
Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime
Join - $14
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Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
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As a seasoned financial expert with extensive knowledge in investment strategies and financial decision-making, I've successfully navigated through the complexities of traditional and modern markets. My track record includes a deep understanding of diverse investment options, risk management, and the impact of global events on financial assets, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article about the online course on investing offered by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT):
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Introduction to Investing – Core Concepts to Avoid Costly Mistakes:
- This section focuses on fundamental concepts crucial for investors. It covers topics like portfolio management, diversification, and how to determine an appropriate asset allocation based on personal characteristics.
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Cash, Bond, and Stock Investments:
- This part provides an introduction to the characteristics of cash, bonds, and stocks. It explains how each investment type generates returns, the associated risks, and practical considerations for investing in them.
-
Property and Funds:
- The course discusses property investing, including the risks and returns associated with different types of property investments, both direct and indirect. Additionally, it covers managed funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), outlining the pros and cons of outsourcing investments and considerations when selecting a fund manager.
-
New Kids on the Block – The Rise of Fintech and its Impact on Global Markets:
- This section explores how financial technology (fintech) is reshaping the landscape of investments. Topics include the impact of neobanks and low-cost trading platforms, high-frequency trading, robo-advice, and cryptocurrencies on global markets.
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Course Structure and Learning Experience:
- The course spans four weeks and requires a commitment of two hours per week. It offers an interactive learning experience with discussions, allowing participants to share ideas and engage in active conversations. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern-day financial decisions.
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Course Objectives:
- By the end of the course, participants should be able to understand the basic characteristics of different types of investments, apply fundamental investing concepts for sound financial decisions, consider the suitability of financial assets for different investors, and discuss the impact of financial technology innovations on individual investments.
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Course Audience:
- The course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to invest in today's dynamic markets, aiming to develop a deeper understanding and make informed financial decisions for a secure future.
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Course Provider – Auckland University of Technology (AUT):
- AUT, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is a contemporary institution with a global standing. Its course is developed by published academics with expertise in both traditional and emerging investments, providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world insights.
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Premium Course and FutureLearn Platform:
- The course is a premium offering, designed for professionals from specific industries. Participants have unlimited access to course materials, including articles, videos, peer reviews, and quizzes. Successful completion results in a Certificate of Achievement.
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Learning on FutureLearn:
- FutureLearn, the platform hosting the course, emphasizes learner flexibility with courses split into weeks, activities, and steps. Learning includes a mix of video content, articles, audio, and practical activities. Social learning is encouraged, allowing participants to engage with a global classroom and track their progress.
In conclusion, this online course from AUT on investing covers a broad spectrum of topics essential for making informed financial decisions in today's complex markets. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, ensuring participants are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of investments.
