MCCCD Program Description

Investments I

Course: GBS261

First Term: 2021 Spring

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Evaluation of various investment forms including study of inflation, taxation, government securities, stocks and bonds, real estate and retirement plans. Securities industry knowledge and skills for individuals to prepare for careers in Financial Services. Includes capital markets, types of products and their risks, trading, customer accounts, prohibited activities, and regulatory agencies and their functions. Helps to prepare students for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination required for entry-level positions in the security industry.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate service oriented communication skills. (I-VII) 2. Use constructive feedback to improve performance. (I-VII) 3. Analyze risks and rewards associated with various types of investments and securities to meet client goals. (I) 4. Explain the purpose, registration, distribution, and filing requirements of various types of offerings. (I) 5. Identify the roles of various market participants and how they interact within different types of markets. (II, III, IV) 6. Compare and contrast the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of investments in the securities industry. (III) 7. Evaluate the impact of different trading and settlement scenarios on an investment. (IV) 8. Describe the process for issuing and trading securities. (IV) 9. Describe the regulations governing the securities industry. (IV) 10. Analyze the tax benefits of various securities and accounts. (V) 11. Analyze the characteristics, risks, and rewards of alternative investment opportunities. (VI) 12. Evaluate investments using a variety of sources and analysis factors. (VII) 13. Integrate ethical responsibility in decision making. (VII) 14. Analyze the impact of monetary policy and regulation on business activity, stability in the securities market, and the economy. (VIII) 15. Demonstrate professional behavior in accordance with industry standards. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Investment opportunities A. Securities B. Non-securities C. Risks and returns D. Suitability to client II. Markets A. Regulatory entities, agencies, and market participants B. Market structure C. Introduction to averages and indexes D. Company performance indicators E. Policy and economic factors F. Offerings III. Equity and debt investments A. Equity securities B. Debt securities 1. Characteristics 2. Types IV. Securities trading A. Role of investment bankers B. Primary and secondary market mechanics C. Opening customer accounts D. Trading E. Settlement F. Margin account requirements G. Issuing securities H. Securities industry regulations I. Mutual Fund V. Taxes A. Income taxes B. Tax shelters/Direct Participation Program (DPPs) C. Tax-deferred Accounts VI. Alternative investments A. Real estate investments B. Options 1. Option basics 2. Administration and compliance C. Convertible bonds, warrants, and rights 1. Characteristics 2. Determining values 3. Terms of offerings VII. Overview of investment analysis A. Information sources B. Analysis factors 1. Business indicators 2. Economic data and life cycles 3. Demographic data C. Industry analysis D. Company analysis E. Financial statement analysis F. Technical analysis VIII. Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) and regulatory requirements A. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) B. Employee conduct C. Reportable events D. Registration E. Continuing education requirements

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: November 24, 2020

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.