stock market/ finance for dummies

[zimu]

I'm going to try to apply to some finance/ stock market/ I-banking positions over the coming few days, and basically want the 101 on that. The only reason I'll possibly get interviewed is cause of my drive and my willingness to learn (or so I've said); but can you guys give me the run down?

Things like:
- stocks
- bonds
- P/E ratios
- Valuation


etc etc etc. Links/ definitions, anything to read up on!

Thanks!

 

[TubStain]

get your CFA and you might stand a chance. Very competitive job market and you will be going up against MBA's from top schools. I dont think willingness to learn will get you the $85,000+ job.

 

[Gunnar]

okay, first off, my suggestion to you is to go to the library, and pick up a book. I dont think it really matter which one, but get one.

Secondly, online resources that I found are good are the glossary at finance.yahoo.com, and invest-faq.com. But you have to know what to look for.

Thirdly, the topics you want to discuss are pretty durn broad. If you are willing to learn, and have the drive so to speak, go to the library now. Barron's puts out a good supplement that you should be able to find.

Lastly, what kind of position are you looking for? Trader? Analyst? Investment Banker? Might want to choose a single position and work towards that. My suggestion to you is not to become a floor trader.

 

[Yossarian]

personally I don't think you stand a chance in hell of getting a "finance/ stock market/ I-banking" position if you don't already know what those terms are, but hey good luck!

 

[TubStain]

Originally posted by: Gunnar
okay, first off, my suggestion to you is to go to the library, and pick up a book. I dont think it really matter which one, but get one.

Secondly, online resources that I found are good are the glossary at finance.yahoo.com, and invest-faq.com. But you have to know what to look for.

Thirdly, the topics you want to discuss are pretty durn broad. If you are willing to learn, and have the drive so to speak, go to the library now. Barron's puts out a good supplement that you should be able to find.

Lastly, what kind of position are you looking for? Trader? Analyst? Investment Banker? Might want to choose a single position and work towards that. My suggestion to you is not to become a floor trader.

So whats wrong with being a floor trader?

 

[ggavinmoss]

Read something like this to have a casual understanding of stuff: Book

-geoff

 

[Hector13]

I think it is funny that you want to be hired because "of [your] drive and my willingness to learn".. yet you are here asking others to do the research for you. As Gunnar said.. go get a book! There are millions of them and with your "drive" I'm sure you will be able to read a hand full before any potential interviews

 

[Hector13]

Originally posted by: TubStain
get your CFA and you might stand a chance. Very competitive job market and you will be going up against MBA's from top schools. I dont think willingness to learn will get you the $85,000+ job.

The CFA is expensive and takes 3 years to get... not to mention the fact that you need 3 years experience "in the industry" to get the charter itself. Perhaps registering (and maybe taking) the first exam (offered only once a year) will so some initiative to potential employeers.. but it will set you back about a $1000-1500 and take a few weeks or more of studying.

On the other hand... $85k is only what you will make your first full year there!