Explore investing fundamentals and risk management strategies while learning how to build and balance a successful portfolio.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of stock investing, valuation, and stock movements in this course. Learn about essential valuation techniques, financial statements, and the fundamentals of stock investing, as well as the factors that influence stock prices and how to analyze them.
Master Excel, review corporate finance, and build a valuation model on a public company. Gain basic and intermediate Excel skills and learn how to read financial statements, build valuations, and predict market trends.
Join our financial modeling class to learn essential finance and accounting concepts, build a discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel, acquire advanced Excel skills, explore corporate finance and valuation, and create a financial model on a real company. This hands-on course will teach you practical financial skills.
Investing is the process of taking existing capital and putting that money into an asset, usually a stock or a company start-up, in the hopes that the asset will appreciate over time, allowing the initial capital investor to sell the asset for a profit later. For most novice investors, this means buying and selling shares of companies on an open stock market exchange like the NYSE or NASDAQ. While there are other kinds of investing options such as venture capital, futures, cryptocurrency, or physical assets, most investment trading performed by individuals happens through owning a stock portfolio.
For inexperienced traders, investing can seem a lot like gambling. People take the money they already have and risk it on potential futures that promise them to either make a fortune or lose it all. However, unlike casino gambling, it is possible to learn and predict the movements of the market to make informed decisions and minimize risks while investing. Learning to make wise investments is a complicated process, and it may involve trial and error, but it is possible. While novice investors need to approach their training with realistic expectations of how much they can make by buying and selling stocks, learning the ins and outs of investing is a great way to build a nest egg for retirement or make long-term capital gains. Learning about investing can also open doors to various career opportunities.
Investing is a bit like planting a garden where each seed represents a small portion of your money. When you invest, you're scattering these seeds into different financial soils—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or startup companies—with the hope that over time, they'll sprout and grow into something much larger. Each investment type has its own set of conditions that can affect how well it grows. You might face some setbacks like economic downturns or market volatility, which can be challenging, but with a bit of patience, research, and perhaps some advice from more experienced financial advisors, you can cultivate a diverse and thriving portfolio. It requires time, attention, and sometimes a bit of resilience to navigate through the tough times. But if you’re thoughtful about where you invest and you give your investments time to grow, you could eventually harvest a bountiful return.
The main forms of investing each lead to their own unique destinations. Stocks, or shares in a company, offer a direct stake in a business's success, allowing investors to grow their wealth as the company prospers. Bonds, on the other hand, are akin to lending money to a government or corporation, with the promise of regular interest payments and the return of the original investment after a set period, providing a more steady, predictable path. Real estate investing involves purchasing property to generate rental income or to sell at a higher price in the future, offering both tangible assets and potential for appreciation. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets to be managed by professionals. Each of these investment forms has its own set of risks and rewards, and choosing the right path depends on an individual's financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
With investing skills, a person can unlock both personal and professional opportunities. On a personal level, having a solid grasp of investing principles allows individuals to take control of their own finances, strategically plan for future goals like retirement or buying a home, and build a robust financial safety net. It empowers them to make informed decisions about where to allocate their money, how to diversify their investments to mitigate risk, and potentially grow their wealth over time through sound investment choices.
Professionally, investing skills open the door to a wide array of career paths within the finance sector. One could become a Financial Advisor, guiding clients on how to manage their investments, save for the future, and optimize their financial portfolios for growth and security. Investment banking, portfolio management, and equity research are other high-stakes areas where skilled investors analyze markets, advise corporations on mergers and acquisitions, manage large investment funds, or scrutinize companies and industries to provide investment recommendations. Additionally, expertise in investing can lead to opportunities in emerging fields like FinTech, where technology intersects with finance to create innovative financial services and products. Entrepreneurial individuals might leverage their investing knowledge to start their own ventures such as a financial planning service, an investment advisory firm, or a FinTech startup.
Investing classes are practical courses designed to equip students with a variety of important skills for managing money in the stock market and other areas of finance. In these classes, students learn how to spot patterns in the market that indicate when it might be a good time to buy or sell investments. They study how businesses grow and shrink over time, and how to plan investment strategies for both short-term and long-term goals. These courses emphasize the importance of being careful with money, teaching students how to spread their investments across different areas to reduce the risk of losing a lot of money quickly due to sudden market changes.
These classes are serious and focused on practical, real-world skills, not on getting rich quickly through risky bets on things like cryptocurrency. By understanding how to evaluate risks and how to create a balanced mix of investments, students can protect their money and even grow it steadily over time. Beyond personal finance, the skills learned in investing classes can also prepare students for careers in the finance industry, working for investment firms, banks, or large companies, where they can apply their knowledge to manage and grow financial portfolios on a larger scale.
Learning to invest wisely involves learning a lot of different skills. In particular, students will learn how to identify market trends and understand things like business cycles and short-term and long-term investment strategies. Students will also learn how to mitigate risk. Investing classes will teach students how to assess risk accurately and diversify their portfolios so that they don’t lose all of their money overnight because of market instability or fluctuations. Classes also prepare students for various new career opportunities working with investment firms, banks, and other large corporations.
Alongside traditional investing strategies, learning data science can significantly enhance an investor's toolkit. By mastering data analysis and computer programming, students can harness the power of technology to sift through vast amounts of market data, identify patterns, and make more informed decisions. This approach minimizes reliance on intuition, replacing it with evidence-based strategies that can lead to more consistent investment outcomes.
Incorporating data science into investing practices allows for the development of automated systems that can execute trades at optimal times, reacting to market changes faster than any human could. This is particularly valuable in today's fast-paced financial markets, where stock prices can swing dramatically in a short period. By using algorithms and machine learning, students can set up systems that analyze market conditions in real time and execute buy or sell orders based on predefined criteria, ensuring they never miss an important change or opportunity due to delays in manual trading.
This also benefits those looking to start a career in finance as these technical skills are in high demand in the financial sector. Aspiring professionals equipped with both investing acumen and data science expertise are well-positioned for careers in finance, whether as independent traders leveraging their skills to manage personal portfolios or as valued analysts and traders within large investment firms. In these roles, they can apply their knowledge to develop sophisticated trading models, conduct deep market analyses, and contribute to the strategic decision-making processes that drive successful investments.
The finance industry is the most obvious sector where investing and investment skills play a vital role. Within this industry, investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, and venture capital firms are key players who rely heavily on these skills. Investment banks assist governments and companies in raising capital by underwriting new debt and equity securities and aiding in mergers and acquisitions. Hedge funds, on the other hand, pool capital from accredited investors and engage in diverse strategies to earn active returns, making deep knowledge of market dynamics essential. Private equity firms invest in companies, often acquiring significant stakes with the aim of improving their financial health and selling them at a profit, which requires a deep understanding of company valuation and market opportunities. Venture capital firms focus on investing in start-up companies with high growth potential, necessitating a thorough knowledge of market trends, innovation, and risk assessment.
Beyond the traditional finance sector, the real estate industry also significantly benefits from investment skills. Real estate investors and developers use these skills to assess property values, understand market conditions, and forecast future trends in the housing and commercial property markets. This involves analyzing economic indicators, demographic data, and urban development plans to make informed decisions about buying, selling, and developing properties. Investment skills in real estate involve understanding financing options, leveraging debt, and navigating regulatory and legal considerations, all of which are crucial for successful real estate investment and development projects.
Investment skills are also increasingly important in the technology sector. Tech entrepreneurs and startup founders often rely on investment acumen to secure funding, manage venture capital, and strategically guide their companies towards growth and profitability. To secure investments for a new business, understanding how to present a company to investors, negotiate valuations, and structure equity deals is crucial. Additionally, investors in technology startups must be adept at assessing the potential of innovative products and services, understanding competitive landscapes, and predicting consumer adoption trends. This requires not only a grasp of financial principles but also an understanding of technological advancements and market disruptions, making investment skills invaluable in driving the growth and success of start-ups in the tech industry.
While many investors are individuals buying and selling shares on stock exchanges, most low-level investments held by middle-class Americans are processed through private investment firms and stockbrokers. The market is simply too complicated for most people to keep up with daily, so much of this work is outsourced to professionals. Learning investment skills will open up many career opportunities for students interested in working in the financial sector.
Almost all finance-related professionals will work with data science professionals who serve as analysts. These include Financial Analysts, Investment Analysts, and Research Analysts. These careers involve combining financial knowledge with data analysis skills to predict market trends and provide reasoned and data-driven recommendations for individuals, financial institutions, and corporations. They are responsible for directing their clients towards safe, profitable investments to provide them with long-term financial stability. Most analysts do not aim to find investments that boom or bust. Instead, they are responsible for ensuring that over a long enough period, the return on their client’s investments stabilizes and becomes a predictable source of income that they can use to plan for the future. While these analysts can work anywhere in the country, most job positions will be available in major financial hubs such as New York City. Financial Analysts' salaries will vary depending on their employer, but entry-level analysts can expect to make between $68,000 and $95,000 a year on average.
Outside of the field of financial analysis, investment specialists often work with large corporations to oversee their sizable investment portfolios. These include Private Equity Associates and Investment Bankers. Private Equity Associates will have more varied job responsibilities than analysts and bankers, as they will be tasked with researching and analyzing data to find potential investment opportunities and raising capital from outside investors to see projects through to fruition. Rather than working with individual stock portfolios, Private Equity Associates are likely to work with the million-dollar collective accounts required to get massive investment plans off the ground. They can expect to earn about $118,000 a year.
Investment Bankers work for individual firms and are employed to advise corporations on potential investment opportunities. They will work on large-scale projects such as mergers and acquisitions, ensuring companies can expand their profit margins through wise investments and solid capital spending. They tend to have middle management style roles in investment banks, government agencies, and private investment firms, though they have a lot of room for advancement, given the importance of their job. Investment Bankers command an average base salary in the United States of $79,000. With a job in certain cities often comes a higher salary, but it is important to keep in mind that how far that salary stretches also depends on the cost of living for the area.
For those looking to forge a career that uses investing skills, several cities in the United States stand out as prime locations, each offering unique opportunities and environments for finance professionals.
New York City remains the undisputed heart of the finance industry in the U.S., housing Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and countless investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms. The city's fast-paced, competitive atmosphere is ideal for ambitious professionals eager to dive into the complexities of global finance, providing unmatched opportunities for networking, career advancement, and exposure to the world's leading financial minds. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) found that nearly 30,000 Personal Investment Advisors work in the New York City area, making it the metropolitan area with the highest employment level of Personal Financial Advisors in the country.
San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area, including Silicon Valley, offer a distinct niche in tech-focused investing and venture capital. the BLS found that the San Francisco metropolitan area has one of the highest employment rates for Personal Financial Advisors, with around 7,000 such individuals working in the area. The region's booming technology sector and innovative start-ups attract a large amount of venture capital and private equity investment, making it an appealing option for those looking to work at the intersection of technology and finance. Investment Advisors in San Francisco often focus on high-growth tech companies, leveraging the area's culture of innovation to identify and support the next big thing.
Chicago is another key player in the U.S. financial landscape, known for its strong presence in futures and options markets. The city is home to the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, making it an important center for commodities trading and financial derivatives. Professionals in Chicago benefit from access to a diverse financial services industry and a robust trading environment, providing a solid foundation for careers in various aspects of investing, including risk management and financial analysis. According to the BLS, the Chicago metropolitan area employs more than 10,000 Personal Investment Advisors.
Boston is renowned for its asset management firms and mutual fund companies, including some of the industry's giants. The city's rich academic environment, with institutions like Harvard and MIT, fosters a culture of research and innovation in finance, making it an attractive location for Investment Advisors who value a strong foundation in financial theory and practice. Boston's finance community is known for its focus on long-term investment strategies and asset management, offering a slightly different pace and approach compared to the high-stakes trading environments found in other finance hubs. The Boston area is home to more than 7,000 Personal Investment Advisors, making it among the top areas for such professionals in the nation.
Learning to invest can be challenging, but it's far from impossible, and the difficulty varies widely depending on an individual's background, dedication, and the resources they have access to. The world of investing encompasses a broad spectrum of concepts, from basic principles like stocks and bonds to more complex strategies involving derivatives and alternative investments. For beginners, the sheer volume of information and the fast-paced nature of financial markets can feel overwhelming. However, with the wealth of educational resources available today, anyone motivated to learn has the opportunity to do so. Furthermore, the advent of user-friendly investment platforms and tools has democratized access to financial markets, making it easier for newcomers to start practicing with small amounts. Like any skill, proficiency in investing increases with time and experience. Individuals can also streamline the learning process with guidance from an expert instructor or mentor.
There are many ways to learn about investing, including different types of online resources and local learning options. For many students, the first step toward learning more about investing is to explore free resources online. These act as a way to gain foundational understanding without the commitment of time and money required to join a class. Once the student is ready to dive deeper, then instructor-led classes can help them further their knowledge and skills while participating in hands-on learning. For those who prefer a more interactive and structured learning environment, in-person classes and workshops provide the opportunity to engage directly with experienced instructors and peers, fostering a collaborative learning experience. Live online classes offer many of the same benefits as in-person classes but with the added convenience of remote learning. These educational pathways are complemented by a host of supplementary resources such as investment simulation games, financial news platforms, and community forums, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and stay abreast of market trends and insights.
While online platforms offer many free resources that can introduce beginners to the fundamentals of investing, these resources often have limitations in scope and depth. Free online courses and tutorials are excellent for covering basic concepts such as how the stock market works, the principles of diversification, and the basics of reading financial statements. However, they may not provide the comprehensive knowledge or hands-on experience required to navigate more complex investment strategies, understand nuanced market dynamics, or manage a diversified portfolio effectively. As a result, these free online resources should ideally be viewed as a stepping stone—a way to build foundational knowledge before advancing to more structured and in-depth study options. Pursuing further education through accredited financial courses, professional certifications, and practical experience can offer a more rounded and thorough understanding of investing, equipping individuals with the skills needed to make informed investment decisions and potentially pursue a career in the financial industry.
For individuals aiming to build a career in investing and the stock market, several key certifications can testify to their expertise and help advance their career.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential is a highly respected and recognized investment certification. It covers a broad range of topics, including ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, corporate finance, fixed income, derivatives, financing reporting and analysis, alternative investments, equity investments, and portfolio management.
Although more broadly focused on financial planning, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification includes components of investment planning, making it valuable for professionals looking to advise on personal investments, retirement planning, and wealth management.
The Chartered Market Technician (CMT) certification focuses on technical analysis, which is the study of market prices, volume, and sentiment to predict future market movements. This certification is particularly relevant for those interested in trading, market analysis, and portfolio management based on market trends.
For those interested in risk management within the investment world, the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification is highly regarded. It covers market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and risk management in investments, providing a strong foundation for managing the risks associated with investment portfolios.
The General Securities Representative Exam, known as Series 7, is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the United States. It is required for individuals who wish to trade securities and provides a license to sell a broad range of securities products. The Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam, or Series 65, is another FINRA-administered exam required for those looking to act as investment advisers. It covers topics on laws, regulations, ethics, and various types of investment vehicles.
These certifications require varying levels of commitment, study, and experience, and often are earned by passing rigorous exams. Obtaining one or more of these certifications can significantly enhance an individual's understanding of investing and the stock market, as well as demonstrate their dedication and expertise to potential employers or clients.
There is no certification required to use investing skills for personal investment decisions, however, to become an Investment Advisor, you typically need to obtain certain certifications or licenses, primarily to ensure you meet the regulatory requirements to offer investment advice to clients. One of the most common requirements is passing the Series 65 exam (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam), administered by FINRA. The Series 65 license is required for individuals who wish to act as investment advisers without the need to sell securities, and it covers laws, regulations, ethics, and various investment vehicles.
In some cases, holding other certifications such as the Series 7 (General Securities Representative Exam) along with the Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam), can also qualify an individual to act as an Investment Advisor, depending on the state's regulations and the specific services the advisor intends to offer.
Furthermore, depending on the scale of your advisory services and the states in which you operate, you may also need to register with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the respective state securities authorities. The requirements can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, so it's important to research and understand the specific regulations that apply to your situation.
How long it takes to learn investing varies greatly among individuals depending on various factors such as a person’s prior knowledge, the complexity of investment strategies they wish to master, and the amount of time they can dedicate to learning. For some, grasping the basics of investing—such as understanding stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the principles of risk and return—might take a few months of dedicated study, especially if leveraging online resources, books, and introductory courses.
Diving deeper into more complex areas like technical analysis, options trading, or global market dynamics could extend the learning time to a year or more. This phase involves not only understanding theoretical concepts but also applying them through simulated trading platforms or small-scale real investments, which is crucial for gaining practical experience. For those aiming to reach a professional level such as becoming a certified Financial Analyst or an investment advisor, the journey could span from several months to several years depending on the learning path chosen. Professional certifications like the CFA require passing a series of rigorous exams that demand hundreds of study hours, coupled with relevant work experience.
It's important to note that learning to invest is not a one-time endeavor but a continuous process. The financial markets are dynamic, with new products, regulations, and economic factors emerging all the time. Successful investors commit to lifelong learning, constantly updating their knowledge and adapting their strategies to navigate the ever-changing market.
Ultimately, the time it takes to learn investing is influenced by one's goals, commitment, and adaptability. While the basics can be covered in a relatively short period, achieving mastery and staying proficient in the field requires ongoing education and practical experience. Deciding on a proven learning path such as a reputable certificate program, can streamline the process and help students pace themselves as they work toward their goals.
Both in-person and online classes offer distinct advantages. In-person classes are local classes that meet at regular intervals. Part-time classes often meet on evenings or sometimes during the weekends for several weeks. Full-time classes may meet for longer periods over several consecutive days. These classes are led by expert instructors and meet in classrooms equipped with the tools and equipment needed to complete any hands-on assignments. In-person classes are also the only class format that guarantee the chance to network with local professionals who share your interests and goals. A few limitations of the in-person class format is that you will need to set aside time and money to commute to the class location, and your options are limited to those classes offered in your area.
Live online classes offer many of the same advantages of in-person classes with some additional benefits. Like in-person classes, live online courses are taught by experienced professionals in real time. This allows students to ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and collaborate instantly. Because the classes are offered online, students can work from anywhere with a strong internet connection. They also have seemingly endless enrollment options as they can enroll in classes from schools around the world. This maximizes the student’s chances of finding a class that aligns with their goals, schedule, and budget.
When setting out to learn investing skills, students will need to be wary of the kind of training that they are receiving. More so than other fields, finance attracts less reputable individuals who make big promises about teaching you the tricks to beat the markets and get rich quick. Noble Desktop seeks to ensure students don’t get caught up in these schemes by helping them locate reputable in-person investment training courses available in their area. Given that it is such an important financial hub, many of these courses, including those taught by Noble Desktop, will be available in New York City. These include courses offered by NYIM Training and NYC Career Centers, both of which offer courses in the fundamentals of stock market investing.
Students outside of major cities may find that their options for dedicated in-person investing courses are limited. However, that doesn’t mean that investment training is out of the question. Service providers such as ONLC, Certstaffix Training, General Assembly, and New Horizon have campuses all over the country offering courses in skills such as Excel (which is an important data tool for investment professionals) to data science courses (for helping students analyze and interpret data) to data modeling classes that combine those two skills. Course availability will differ from location to location, but aspiring investment specialists are encouraged to look at the options available. Some of these campuses such as ONLC and Certstaffix Training, utilize a remote instructor teaching model, meaning that students won’t be in the same room as their instructors, though the courses are still taught live. Students will still be able to take advantage of the campus's in-person computer labs.
Live online training is a wonderful alternative for students who aren’t located near a training campus or who just want to learn investment skills without leaving their homes. These courses maintain many of the benefits of in-person instruction, as they are still taught in real time by expert instructors. These instructors can respond to student concerns, answer questions, and assist them. Most of these instructors will have practical experience in stock market trading and investing, making their presence extra valuable for students looking to find work in the financial sector.
Noble Desktop offers a wide range of classes ideal for students hoping to learn stock market investing for private or professional purposes. Noble’s Stock Investing Fundamentalscourse will teach students the basic principles of investing in stocks, bonds, and options. Students will learn how to locate, read, and interpret financial statements and reports and be taught what market participants place value in when they invest. This class is designed to help students understand the motions of the market so that they can build stable, long-term investing strategies. Students will also learn how to identify market instabilities, looking at the early 2000s dotcom bubble and the subprime mortgage crisis of 2009 as examples. While stock market crashes are rare, examining what causes a market downturn is crucial so that investors aren’t caught unawares, particularly when trying to build their own future financial security.
Noble also offers an array of financial modeling and data science classes that emphasize the importance of data modeling and computer engineering in the world of financial investments. For instance, advanced students with a background in computer science and stock market investment can enroll in Noble’s Python for ||CPN502||. In this class, students will learn how investors can use data modeling and machine learning programs powered by the Python programming language to help improve their ROI. Students will learn how to gather, organize, and analyze financial data using Python, assess and model risk using linear regression models and Monte Carlo simulations, and build Python scripts to automate the buying and selling of assets.
In addition to these courses, many other options are available to students seeking live online investment training. NYIM Training also offers live online investment courses, and students can compare these courses to the online training options available through NYC Career Centers. These live online training sessions are ideal for students looking to start investing for their retirement and students who hope to enter a new career in the financial sector.
While individuals have reason to learn how to invest in the stock market and build their own stable portfolios, large businesses and corporations must know how to manage their investments. One way to ensure that your corporation makes sound investment decisions is to offer your employees on-site corporate investing training through Noble Desktop. These courses can teach employees the fundamentals of stock market investing, the basics of data science analytics for finances, or more intricate skills such as how to automate financial activity using Python. Each course is designed to ensure employees have the skills and training necessary to maximize their value to your company. Noble offers these classes both in-person at your corporate headquarters and live online in reserved training seminars. Noble also offers group purchasing discounts on open enrollment in any of its live online seminars, so companies can offer their employees discounts on learning new skills on their own time. If this investment training is ideal for your company, please contact Noble Desktop for a consultation.