Mutual Funds

This course provides an understanding of mutual funds, including the uses of open-end and closed-end funds, the advantages and disadvantages of funds as compared to individual securities, and how best to select funds that fit an investor's needs.

30-Jun-2008 -- 01-Jul-2008New YorkUSD$2375
NY Institute of Finance - Midtown9:00am - 4:30pm Instructional Method:
Group-Live
Instructor(s): [ Laura Smith Dunaief; ] Mon Tue Level: Intermediate
CPE Credits: 14.0

05-Aug-2008 -- 06-Aug-2008ChicagoUSD$2375
NY Institute of Finance - Chicago9:00am - 4:30pm Instructional Method:
Group-Live
Instructor(s): [ Laura Smith Dunaief; ] Tue Wed Level: Intermediate
CPE Credits: 14.0

03-Nov-2008 -- 04-Nov-2008New YorkUSD$2375
NY Institute of Finance - Midtown9:00am - 4:30pm Instructional Method:
Group-Live
Instructor(s): [ Laura Smith Dunaief; ] Mon Tue Level: Intermediate
CPE Credits: 14.0

Entry-level analysts, institutional salespersons and traders, aspiring portfolio managers, and individual investors.
No advance preparation required.
Students will be able to:
  • Discuss the historical development of mutual funds and the impact of funds on the global financial world
  • Explain the similarities and differences between closed-end funds, exchange traded funds, and open-end funds
  • Distinguish between equity, fixed income, balanced, hybrid, and index funds
  • Describe how fund managers construct a portfolio to match stated investment objectives
  • Identify key elements of a fund prospectus
  • Categorize funds by investment objective
  • Identify and describe roles of the key participants in the funds market
  • Understand risk tolerance
  • Use funds to fulfill requirements of an asset allocation strategy
  • Explain the guidelines and safeguards afforded investors in mutual funds
  • Describe key regulations around fund sales, including those for selling different classes of fund shares
  • Explain the impact of regulatory changes on the fund marketplace
Fundamentals of the Securities Industry or equivalent knowledge
"Excellent discussions and real-life examples. Exercises were very informative and useful."
"Very good instructor!"
"The course covers all experience levels."
DAY ONE

Overview of Mutual Funds

  • History of the Mutual Fund industry
  • Size and growth of the Mutual Fund industry
  • Mutual Fund investors
  • Mutual Fund structures
  • Basic Fund Features: Loads; 12b-1 fees; Breakpoints
  • Benefits and drawbacks of Mutual Funds

How a Mutual Fund Operates

  • Roles within a fund
  • Fund fee structures
  • Buying and redeeming shares
  • Pricing a fund

Other Fund Structures and Structural Variations

  • Closed-End Funds
  • Exchange Traded Funds
  • Funds of Funds
  • Fee-Based (wrap) accounts
  • Hedge Funds

DAY TWO

Open-End Fund Products and Objectives

  • Equity Funds
  • Fixed Income Funds
  • Hybrid Funds
  • Index Funds

Mutual Funds as Investments

  • Asset Allocation
  • Understanding fund objectives
  • Using Beta as a measure of risk
  • Risk tolerance: matching client risk tolerance with fund objectives
  • Matching fund and client objectives
  • Hedging strategies
  • Researching funds: Dissecting the prospectus; Third-party rankings

Regulatory Issues

  • Prospectus requirements
  • Sales practices and disclosures
  • Registration of Portfolio Managers
  • Current regulatory environment

Industry Trends

  • Pension funds
  • Developments in fund types
  • Distribution channels

Clients who register for this course will receive a complimentary 6 month subscription to the Financial Times and FT.com. The Financial Times is the world's most respected financial newspaper, providing a broad assessment on finance, business and the industrial sector. Subscriptions will start within 6-8 weeks of the application process and are limited to one per client. For questions about your subscriptions call 800-628-8088 or email uscirculation@ft.com. US and Canada enrollees only.

Lunch included for all students taking day classes.