Mutual Funds - Online

An excellent introduction to the global mutual fund industry, this curriculum explores the types of mutual funds, the fund selection process, and the structure of mutual fund companies. As the popularity of mutual funds explodes, this course also examines the trends that are shaping the industry, including indexation, exchange-traded funds and the booming retirement market.

Please note that this is a curriculum of individual course modules. You will need to pass each module exam in order to qualify for a certificate of completion.

This is an asynchronous eLearning program that can be accessed 24/7 from any internet enabled computer. Access is for 91 days.


Entry-level analysts, institutional salespersons and traders, aspiring portfolio managers, individual investors.
Students will be able to:
  • Recognize key points in the historical development of mutual funds and the significance of their global popularity among investors
  • Identify the definition and features of mutual funds and of the associated net asset value, fund families, and investment minimums
  • Identify specific guidelines and safeguards afforded investors who invest in mutual funds
  • Recognize or briefly describe benefits and drawbacks of mutual funds
  • Distinguish between equity and fixed-income funds
  • Identify the different types of hybrid funds
  • Describe how close-ended funds differ from open-ended funds
  • Identify alternatives to mutual funds
  • Align an investor’s objectives with the objectives of income and growth funds.
  • Recognize how tolerance for risk affects your asset allocation and selection of mutual funds.
  • Identify the key factors that differentiate mutual funds and the importance of researching them
  • Identify the role of the major players in a mutual fund company
  • Recognize the fees that the mutual fund company charges investors
  • Recall the steps in the process of buying and redeeming mutual fund shares
  • Describe how the mutual fund industry is affected by the current investment trends of the
  • Explain defined contribution plans and evidence of their global growth and popularity
  • Recognize characteristics of the new types of mutual funds that have developed in response to recent investor demand
  • Identify new DistributionChannels for mutual funds
  • Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of global deregulation
None
"Great Class!"
"The course is good for understanding Mutual Funds concepts and gives an overview of various funds available to Investors as well as an industry overview."
"Very precise course - thanks!"
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  • Module 1: Understanding Mutual Funds - Online
    Topics covered include:
    • Industry overview and brief history
    • Net asset value
    • Fund families
    • Benefits and drawbacks of mutual funds
    Duration: 2 hours

    Module 2: Various Mutual Fund Products - Online
    Topics covered include:
    • Equity and fixed income mutual funds
    • Hybrid securities
    • Multifunds
    • Closed-end funds
    • Alternatives to mutual funds
    Duration: 2 hours

    Module 3: Selecting the Right Mutual Fund - Online
    Topics covered include:
    • Understanding fund objectives
    • Determining risk tolerance
    • Deciding asset allocation
    • Researching funds
    • Small-cap vs. large cap and value vs. growth
    Duration: 2 hours

    Module 4: Operation of a Mutual Fund Company - Online
    Topics covered include:
    • Organization of mutual funds
    • Open-end fund structure
    • Participants in a mutual fund
    • Fund fee structures
    • Buying and redeeming shares
    Duration: 2 hours

    Module 5: Trends in the Mutual Fund Industry - Online
    Topics covered include:
    • Boom in the industry
    • Shift to Defined-Contribution pension plans
    • Developments in fund types
    • Developments in fund types
    • Distribution channels
    • Global deregulation
    • Future of global mutual fund investing
    Duration: 2 hours