Investment Analyst Business & Administration Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Investment Analyst Do?
Investment analysts undertake research to make informed recommendations to fund managers. They research investments globally but depending on the nature and field of their employer they can specialise in fields like retail, infrastructure, energy, banking and financial services. They focus on financial and economical information such as the political and economic developments that can impact financial markets, the financial performance of the target companies and use the interpretation of data from different sources to understand how it affects investment decision making.
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Where Do I Start?
Modern Portfolio Theory
The theory of finance that attempts to either maximise the profit of an investment equivalent to the risk taken or to reduce the risk for the expected profit of an investment by judiciously choosing the right combination of financial products.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Investment Analyst
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialModern Portfolio Theory knowledge
The theory of finance that attempts to either maximise the profit of an investment equivalent to the risk taken or to reduce the risk for the expected profit of an …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialStock Market knowledge
The market in which shares of publicly held companies are issued and traded.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialInternational Trade knowledge
The economic practise and study field that address the exchange of goods and services across geographic borders. The general theories and schools of thought around the implications of international trade …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialSecurities knowledge
The financial instruments traded in financial markets representing both the right of property over the owner and at the same time, the obligation of payment over the issuer. The aim …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFunding Methods knowledge
The financial possibilities for funding projects such as the traditional ones, namely loans, venture capital, public or private grants up to alternative methods such as crowdfunding.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialActuarial Science knowledge
The rules of applying mathematical and statistical techniques to determine potential or existing risks in various industries, such as finance or insurance.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEconomics knowledge
Economic principles and practices, financial and commodity markets, banking and the analysis of financial data.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFinancial Markets knowledge
The financial infrastructure which permits trading securities offered by companies and individuals govern by regulatory financial frameworks.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFinancial Products knowledge
The different types of instruments that apply to the management of cash flow that are available on the market, such as shares, bonds, options or funds.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAnalyse Economic Trends skill
Analyse developments in national or international trade, business relations, banking, and developments in public finance and how these factors interact with one another in a given economic context.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse Financial Performance Of A Company skill
Based on accounts, records, financial statements and external information of the market, analyse the performance of the company in financial matters in order to identify improvement actions that could increase …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse Market Financial Trends skill
Monitor and forecast the tendencies of a financial market to move in a particular direction over time.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Stock Market skill
Observe and analyse the stock market and its trends on a daily basis to gather up-to-date information in order to develop investment strategies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialObtain Financial Information skill
Gather information on securities, market conditions, governmental regulations and the financial situation, goals and needs of clients or companies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Support In Financial Calculation skill
Provide colleagues, clients or other parties with financial support for complex files or calculations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialReview Investment Portfolios skill
Meet with clients to review or update an investment portfolio and provide financial advice on investments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 15 displayed)
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OptionalFinancial Forecasting knowledge
The tool used in performing fiscal financial management to identify revenue trends and estimated financial conditions.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBanking Activities knowledge
The broad and continuously growing banking activities and financial products managed by banks ranging from personal banking, corporate banking, investment banking, private banking, up to insurance, foreign exchange trading, commodity …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBusiness Valuation Techniques knowledge
The processes to valuate the worth of the assets of the company and the value of the business following techniques such as asset-based approach, business comparison, and past earnings.
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OptionalFinancial Statements knowledge
The set of financial records disclosing the financial position of a company at the end of a set period or of the accounting year. The financial statements consisting of five …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalCorporate Social Responsibility knowledge
The handling or managing of business processes in a responsible and ethical manner considering the economic responsibility towards shareholders as equally important as the responsibility towards environmental and social stakeholders.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalCredit Control Processes knowledge
The various techniques and procedures applied to ensure that credit is given to the suitable customers and that they pay on time.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalInternational Financial Reporting Standards knowledge
The set of accounting standards and rules aimed at companies listed in the stock exchange which are required to publish and disclose their financial statements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Financial Risk skill
Identify and analyse risks that could impact an organisation or individual financially, such as credit and market risks, and propose solutions to cover against those risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Financial Viability skill
Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalBudget For Financial Needs skill
Observe the status and availability of funds for the smooth running of projects or operations in order to foresee and estimate the quantity of future financial resources.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate With Banking Professionals skill
Communicate with professionals in the field of banking in order to obtain information on a specific financial case or project for personal or business purposes, or on behalf of a …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate A Financial Plan skill
Develop a financial plan according to financial and client regulations, including an investor profile, financial advice, and negotiation and transaction plans.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExamine Credit Ratings skill
Investigate and look for information on the creditworthiness of companies and corporations, provided by credit rating agencies in order to determine the likelihood of default by the debtor.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Financial Statements skill
Read, understand, and interpret the key lines and indicators in financial statements. Extract the most important information from financial statements depending on the needs and integrate this information in the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Stock Valuation skill
Analyse, calculate and appraise the value of the stock of a company. Use mathematic and logarithm in order to determine the value in consideration of different variables.
Course recommendations coming soon.