Course Description
This course focuses on the analysis of individual equity and fixed income securities using theoretical, fundamental and technical techniques. Major areas covered are capital markets, financing, listing and regulation, the process of investing using stock trading simulation software, equities, fixed income securities, derivatives, market analysis, valuation of securities, portfolio approach to investing, mutual funds, hedge funds, and different types of investment accounts. Credit will not be given for both FINC 3350 and FINC 3390.
Course Content
1. Characteristics, needs, users and sources of investment capital.
2. Structure of capital markets, market efficiency and market indexes.
3. The investment process, types of trades and accounts.
4. Characteristics and types of equities.
5. Principles, features and types of fixed income securities.
6. Warrants, options, futures and forwards.
7. Equity valuation models and techniques.
8. Bond prices, yields and duration.
9. Structure, redemption and regulation of mutual funds and ETFs.
10. Styles, benefits and risks of hedge funds and other specialized products.
11. Portfolio approach to investing.
Learning Activities
Lecture, seminar, and online. This course focusses on valuing and trading securities using an online trading simulation platform.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
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Midterm(s), Tests or Quizzes
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40% - 60%
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Term Project
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20% - 25%
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Final Exam
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30% - 40%
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100%
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No single assessment will be worth more than 40%.
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50% on the combined invigilated components to pass the course.
Students may conduct research as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans, which can require obtaining Informed Consent from participants and getting the approval of the Douglas College Research Ethics Board prior to conducting the research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, a successful student will be able to:
1. Describe structure of capital markets, market efficiency and financial services industry.
2. List and explain the different types of market indexes.
3. Conduct and explain use of different types of trades, margin accounts and short sales.
4. Value the different types of equity securities
5. Demonstrate use of various types of fixed income securities.
6. Describe the different types of derivative securities and their features.
7. Demonstrate the different types of valuation models and techniques on equities.
8. Perform bond price, yield and duration calculations.
9. Identify and describe the various types of mutual funds and ETFs, their structures and regulations.
10. Identify and explain the features of hedge funds and other specialized products.
11. Demonstrate the principles and methods which apply to the portfolio approach to investing.
Textbook Materials
Jordan, Miller, Dolvin, Yuce, Fundamentals of Investments, McGraw Hill, Latest Edition, or other textbooks determined by the department.
Students will be required to purchase and use Stock-Trak software or equivalent.
Calculator: Texas Instruments BA II Plus or as approved by Department.