Financial Investment Principles



Overview

Throughout this course, you will engage in interactive discussions and learn from real-world examples to enhance your understanding and practical application of the principles of investments.

This course will give everyone a good overview of the subject area, and would be of great value for students, investors or individuals that want to get a first introduction to finance, financial markets and how financial markets interact with the wider economy.

It is therefore useful to people new to the subject area, and those already aware of financial markets and investments but want to broaden their knowledge around different asset classes or investment approaches, or just need a refresher.

Programme details

Session 1: Introduction to Financial Markets and Investment Process

  • Overview of financial markets and their functions
  • Introduction to the investment process and its key components
  • Understanding risk and return in investment decisions
  • Exploring different investment strategies and objectives

Session 2: Market Segments and Instruments

  • Overview of various market segments: money market, bond market, equity market, private markets, liquid alternatives, hedge funds, derivatives
  • Understanding the characteristics, risks, and potential returns of each market segment and asset class
  • Exploring the role of each instrument in a diversified investment portfolio

Session 3: Portfolio Construction, Risk Management, and Valuation

  • Analyzing portfolio risk and return metrics
  • Exploring portfolio construction techniques and diversification strategies
  • Understanding attribution analysis and its role in evaluating portfolio performance
  • Introduction to fundamental analysis using financial ratios, relative value, macroeconomic, and industry analysis
  • Discussion on valuation methods for stocks and bonds

Session 4: Financial Markets, the wider Economy, and Behavioral Analysis

  • Examining the relationship between financial markets and macroeconomic factors
  • Understanding the impact of interest rates, economic growth, unemployment, and central bank policies on financial markets
  • Exploring the behavioral biases that affect investment decision-making
  • Introduction to technical analysis tools and indicators
  • Wrap-up and final Q&A

This course can be taken separately or as part of a weekly discount fee package (10 - 15 June).

Week 2 of our Business and Management Skills programme (17 - 22 June)  is also available with a discount. 

Attending Your Course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, this will include registration information and an overview of the course timetable.

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date. 

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information

Digital Certification

To complete the course, you will be required to attend and participate in all of the sessions on the course in order to be considered for a certificate. Participants who complete the course will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will also be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £545.00

Tutor

Konrad Kleinfeld

Tutor

Konrad is a qualified banker, former derivatives trader and seasoned investment professional with over 20 years of industry experience in banking, capital markets and asset management. With his extensive background, he offers a unique perspective on both investment strategies and the needs of capital-seeking businesses and corporations in his engaging lectures and seminars. Konrad is currently Head of EMEA Sales for Fixed Income ETFs at one of the world's leading asset management firms. 

Prior to his current role, Konrad spent five years at BlackRock where he covered pension funds and larger German (multinational) corporations. Prior to joining BlackRock, he was a Vice President at Nomura International plc in London and Frankfurt, where he enjoyed a successful seven-year tenure. Konrad began his career as a corporate bond and credit derivatives trader, honing his skills and building a strong foundations in the financial industry. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Konrad is a dedicated part-time lecturer at two prestigious German business schools, where he teaches various aspects of finance and economics to both masters and undergraduate students. In addition, he had the privilege of being a summer school lecturer on finance and artificial intelligence (AI) at King's College London, University of London, from 2016 to 2018. Konrad also shares his expertise as a tutor at Oxford, focusing on topical issues in financial services and AI. 

Konrad's educational achievements include a BA in Banking, an Advanced Diploma in International Development from the University of Cambridge and an Executive MBA from Cass Business School, City, University of London. To further enhance his knowledge and expertise, he has obtained numerous financial certifications. His insights have been recognised and he has been quoted and interviewed by several prominent German TV and print media, including ARD, Tagesschau, n-tv, FAZ, DAF, Sueddeutsche and Handelsblatt. 

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Contact Us at the top of this page.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support