What is a Brokerage?

Brokerages exist to allow individuals to make investments into the larger market. In other words, they connect individuals to the markets as a whole. Securities Brokers help individuals trade securities, the security type will change depending on the broker, but they usually fall into these categories: Cash (including Foreign Exchange markets) Individual Securities Bonds and Debts Stocks Structured Products Mutual Funds Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) … Continue reading What is a Brokerage? »

Building Case Studies

At some point in your business career you will likely be asked to build a case study. Whether it’s for school or for work, building a case study is a very methodical task. While case studies will differ across companies and sectors, your process should remain the same. When conducting a case study, you should try to include these core pieces: a summary of the … Continue reading Building Case Studies »

Corporate Debt

Do you ever wonder how companies have the money to build new stores, develop new products, or perhaps even buy another company? Usually companies do not keep enough cash for these transactions sitting in their bank account – it needs to be raised from outside investors. There are two main ways a company can fund these endeavors: a bond issuance or a stock issuance. Corporate … Continue reading Corporate Debt »

Solvency

Understanding financial solvency is as important to an investor as it is to a financial manager. Whether it’s having the money to pay off a friendly wager or having the capital to pay off a commercial loan, being solvent is necessary to achieve long-term success. Solvency is the possession of assets in excess of liabilities, or more simply put, the ability for one to pay … Continue reading Solvency »

Risk Management Controls

Risk management is a very important part of any business because it allows for the matching and identification of risk and the associated losses (loss exposures). Practically, this means managers put in place Risk Management Controls. Most business operations are concentrating on maintaining a customer base and building growth. The Risk Management Controls are different – these are designed to protect assets and prevent problems … Continue reading Risk Management Controls »

Cash Flow Analysis

Cash flow is a concept in accounting that refers to the spending or receiving of cash by an organization. For a given period, cash flow is calculated by ending cash balance less starting cash balance. It is important not to confuse cash flow with earnings, as cash flow is related to solvency (or how well a business can pay its immediate debts) and not necessarily … Continue reading Cash Flow Analysis »

Asset Valuation – How to value an asset through their financials

Every asset has a value that is always changing. So, what factors affect this change? Things such as earnings announcements, financial ratios, and recent news all go into the movement of an asset’s valuation. The key with all asset valuation is that ratios and prices are always relative. This means most methods for asset valuation can only compare one company to another company (usually in … Continue reading Asset Valuation – How to value an asset through their financials »

Margin Trading and Market Timing – High Risk Investing

Most people trading on their own will use a basic cash account – you deposit your cash into your brokerage account, which you then use to buy securities like stocks and bonds. For professional investors, like day traders and financial professionals, there are ways to multiply the investment amounts and returns by using more complex types of brokerage accounts and trading strategies. This includes margin … Continue reading Margin Trading and Market Timing – High Risk Investing »

Internal Risk Management

Risk Management is when a manager tries to organize his company (or business unit) to prepare in case of, and try to prevent, something going wrong. Risk management is one of the most complicated branches of management, as it requires managers to be able to assess unknown situations and try to be prepared for anything. It is the technique of distinguishing, investigating, and acknowledging uncertainty … Continue reading Internal Risk Management »

Certifications in the Finance Industry

Have you ever thought about a career in the finance industry?  Have you wondered what is required to be considered a professional in the stock trading world?  Well I have good news:  you’ve come to the right place!  We’ll cover educational requirements and the basics of Series 6, Series 7, and several professional designations in the industry.  So buckle in and let’s get started! Buying … Continue reading Certifications in the Finance Industry »