Reading 56 – Derivative Markets and Instruments Derivative securities are an asset class where they derive (hence the name) their value from an underlying asset. These underlying assets can be financial assets like equities or bonds or real assets like…

Reading 38 – Portfolio Management: An Overview Portfolio management is about creating a diversified approach to meet one’s investment goals. Diversification involves avoiding too much exposure to a single asset or asset type. Diversifying the risks of a portfolio help…

Reading 58: Introduction to Alternative Investments The CFA curriculum is always changing and this last reading of Level 1 has been completely overhauled by the Institute and is considered a new reading. There is only this one reading regarding alternative…

Reading 44 – Market Organization and Structure Financial markets serve a wide variety of purposes, but there are six main categories of activity. They are used for Saving by individuals and organizations in order to grow their assets over time. Borrowing is also done…

Reading 33 – Corporate Governance and ESG: An Introduction Corporate Governance is the managerial system by which a company is controlled. There are two primary theories that drive corporate governance structures, though they have been converging more closely together in…

Reading 50 – Fixed-Income Securities: Defining Elements A bond is a debt instrument that entitles the buyer to future cash flows from the issuing entity. Bonds can be issued by a variety of organizations, including companies, governments, and even supranational…

Ethical and Professional Standards is a major part of the CFA curriculum at all three levels, so it is very important to learn this material well.  The CFA Institute places a high value on ethics, and even uses scores on…