In the Chapter 1 module, you will

Be introduced to the definition of an investment and the basic characteristics of investments (We start from the very beginning! What is an investment?)
Review the major asset investment alternatives (An Overview of the Investment Universe)
Explore the relationship of risk and return (A Brief History of Risk and Return)
Identify the differences between an investor and a trader/speculator
Concentrate and investigate short-term "cash" investment alternatives (A Place to Park Your Money)
Discuss aspects of short-term "cash" investments with your fellow students

By the end of this module, you should be able to

Given a typical investment, identify its characteristics including the cash flow (income) and capital gains (growth) components, and identify the advantages and disadvantages of the investment
In a brief two- to three-sentence description, succinctly describe the major investment alternatives including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and short-term "cash" investments
Express the historical relationship of risk and return (Do you want to eat well or do you want to sleep well?)
Research short-term "cash" investment alternatives including savings accounts, Certificates of Deposits, money market accounts and money market mutual funds, and Treasury Bills
Describe institutional short-term investment alternatives such as corporate paper and bankers acceptance notes
Optionally, calculate the future values of a lump sum principal investment and a series of investments

Don't worry if any or all of this sounds scary now. We will learn all these terms and concepts in good time. They really are not as hard as they sound. Again, not for the last time, we want you to remember that this is an Introduction to Investments class. You need no prior investment experience nor training.

Quick Detour: The Study Guide and How to Use Google Docs

Before we get started on the presentations, let's take a look at the Study Guide for chapter 1 and how to use Google Docs to download or make a copy of the class documents. See you on the next screen!