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SAPM Notes
SAPM Notes
Features
Return: Investments are made with the expectation of earning a return, which could be in
the form of capital appreciation, dividends, interest, rental income, or any other form of
profit.
Risk: All investments involve some degree of risk. Risk refers to the uncertainty
surrounding the potential returns of an investment. Higher returns typically come with
higher levels of risk.
Liquidity: Liquidity refers to the ease with which an investment can be converted into
cash without significant loss of value. Some investments, like stocks and bonds, are
highly liquid, while others, like real estate or private equity, may have lower liquidity.
Time Horizon: Investments vary in terms of the time required to realize returns. Short-
term investments typically have a quicker turnaround, while long-term investments may
require years or even decades to reach their full potential.
Diversification: Diversification involves spreading investments across different asset
classes, industries, or geographic regions to reduce risk. By diversifying, investors can
mitigate the impact of poor performance in any single investment.
Tax Implications: Taxes can significantly impact investment returns. Understanding the
tax implications of different types of investments is essential for effective investment
planning.
Objectives of Investment
Process of Investment
Investment Alternatives
Stocks :Stocks represent ownership shares in a company and offer the potential for capital
appreciation and dividends. Investing in individual stocks allows investors to participate
in the growth potential of specific companies. However, stock prices can be volatile, and
individual company performance can vary widely, leading to higher levels of risk
compared to other investment options.
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified
portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. They are managed by professional fund
managers who make investment decisions on behalf of investors. Mutual funds offer
diversification, professional management, and liquidity, making them a popular choice
for investors seeking broad market exposure with relatively lower investment amounts.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges
and hold assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or a combination thereof. Like
mutual funds, ETFs offer diversification benefits and professional management but trade
like individual stocks throughout the day. ETFs are known for their low expense ratios
and tax efficiency, making them attractive investment alternatives for cost-conscious
investors.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs):REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance
income-producing real estate properties. By investing in REITs, investors can gain exposure
to real estate assets without directly owning physical properties. REITs typically distribute a
significant portion of their income to shareholders in the form of dividends, making them
attractive for income-oriented investors seeking exposure to the real estate market.
Commodities:Commodities are physical goods such as gold, silver, oil, agricultural products,
and precious metals that are traded on commodity exchanges. Investing in commodities can
provide diversification benefits and a hedge against inflation. However, commodity prices
can be volatile and subject to supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and
currency fluctuations.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Savings Accounts: CDs and savings accounts are low-risk,
interest-bearing deposits offered by banks and credit unions. While they may offer lower
returns compared to other investment alternatives, CDs and savings accounts provide safety
of principal and liquidity, making them suitable for short-term savings goals and preserving
capital.
Private Equity: Private equity refers to investments made in companies that are not publicly
traded on stock exchanges. This includes various types of investments such as venture capital
for startups, buyouts of mature companies, and investments in real estate or other assets. In
venture capital, investors provide funding to early-stage companies with high growth
potential in exchange for equity ownership. Buyout investments involve acquiring controlling
stakes in established companies to improve operations, streamline business strategies, and
enhance profitability. Private equity investments typically offer the potential for significant
returns but also entail higher risks and longer investment horizons compared to publicly
traded stocks and bonds.
Real Estate: Real estate investments encompass a wide range of opportunities, including
direct ownership of properties (residential or commercial), real estate investment trusts
(REITs), and real estate investment funds. Direct ownership allows investors to purchase
physical properties and generate rental income and potential capital appreciation. REITs are
publicly traded companies that own and manage income-producing real estate properties,
offering investors exposure to real estate assets without the need for direct property
ownership
Collectibles: Collectibles refer to tangible assets such as art, antiques, rare coins, stamps,
wine, and sports memorabilia that have cultural or historical significance and may appreciate
in value over time. Investing in collectibles requires specialized knowledge and expertise to
assess authenticity, condition, and market demand. Collectibles can serve as alternative
investments to traditional financial assets and offer potential diversification benefits.
However, they are subject to fluctuations in market demand, trends, and taste preferences,
making them inherently risky and illiquid compared to other investment options.
Hedge Funds: Hedge funds are investment funds that employ complex strategies and trade a
variety of assets, often with high leverage and risk. These funds are typically managed by
professional portfolio managers and aim to generate absolute returns regardless of market
conditions. Hedge fund strategies may include long-short equity, global macro, event-driven,
and quantitative trading strategies. Hedge funds are typically only available to accredited
investors due to their high minimum investment requirements, complexity, and risk. They
often charge performance fees based on profits generated, in addition to management fees.
Commodities: Commodities are basic resources such as oil, gold, silver, agricultural
products, and metals that are traded on futures markets. Investing in commodities can provide
diversification benefits and a hedge against inflation, as commodity prices are influenced by
factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and economic trends.
Investors can gain exposure to commodities through futures contracts, commodity-focused
mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or physical commodity investments. However,
commodity investing can be complex and risky, with prices subject to volatility and
speculative trading activities.
Structured Products: Structured products are complex financial instruments that combine
features of different assets, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives, into a single investment
product. These products are designed to meet specific investment objectives or provide
tailored risk-return profiles. Structured products may offer principal protection, enhanced
returns, or exposure to alternative asset classes through structured notes, equity-linked notes,
or commodity-linked securities. However, structured products can be difficult to understand,
may involve high fees, and expose investors to issuer credit risk and market volatility. They
are often used by sophisticated investors seeking customized investment solutions.
Real Assets: Real assets are tangible or physical assets with intrinsic value. They have
inherent worth due to their properties, such as their ability to generate income, provide utility,
or appreciate in value over time. Real assets can include:
Financial Assets: Financial assets are intangible instruments representing ownership of value
or contractual rights to future cash flows. They derive their value from a contractual claim,
rather than from physical properties. Financial assets can include:
Company Shares:
Debentures:
Government Bonds:
Government bonds are debt securities issued by a government to finance public spending and
projects. They are generally considered low-risk investments since they are backed by the
government's ability to tax or print currency. Government bonds typically offer fixed interest
payments and return the principal amount upon maturity. They are often used by investors
seeking stable income and capital preservation.
Convertible Securities:
Hybrid Securities:
Hybrid securities blend characteristics of both debt and equity instruments. Examples include
convertible bonds, preferred stocks, and equity-linked notes. These instruments offer
investors a mix of fixed-income features and potential for capital appreciation, providing
diversification benefits and catering to different risk preferences.
Fixed Deposits:
Fixed deposits are savings instruments offered by banks or financial institutions, where
investors deposit funds for a fixed tenure at a predetermined interest rate. They are
considered low-risk investments since they offer guaranteed returns and protection of the
principal amount. Fixed deposits are suitable for investors seeking stable returns and capital
preservation.
Gilt-Edged Securities:
Post office schemes are government-backed savings programs offered by postal services in
many countries. These schemes provide various investment options such as fixed deposits,
recurring deposits, and savings accounts. Post office schemes are known for their safety,
fixed returns, and accessibility, making them popular among conservative investors.
Employee provident funds (EPF) and public provident funds (PPF) are retirement savings
schemes provided by employers or governments. Both schemes allow individuals to
contribute a portion of their income regularly, which accumulates over time with compound
interest. EPF is typically offered by employers to their employees, while PPF is available to
the general public. These schemes offer tax benefits and long-term savings growth for
retirement planning.
ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, representing a basket of securities
such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. ETFs offer diversification benefits, allowing investors
to gain exposure to multiple assets with a single investment. They are traded throughout the
day like stocks and often have lower fees compared to mutual funds. ETFs are suitable for
investors seeking flexibility, liquidity, and broad market exposure.
Mutual Funds:
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of
securities, managed by professional fund managers. Mutual funds offer various investment
strategies and cater to different risk profiles, from conservative bond funds to aggressive
growth funds. They provide liquidity, professional management, and diversification benefits
to investors seeking exposure to stocks, bonds, or other asset classes.
Real Estate:
Real estate investments involve purchasing physical properties such as land, residential or
commercial buildings, with the expectation of generating rental income and/or capital
appreciation. Real estate offers potential tax benefits, portfolio diversification, and a hedge
against inflation. However, it requires significant initial capital, ongoing maintenance, and
may lack liquidity compared to other investments.
Insurance Schemes:
Investment Attributes
Risk: This refers to the uncertainty associated with the return on an investment. Higher-
risk investments have the potential for higher returns, but they also carry a greater chance
of loss. Risk can be influenced by various factors such as market conditions, economic
factors, company performance, and regulatory changes.
Return: Return is the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of
money invested. It is typically expressed as a percentage. Investors generally seek
investments that offer higher returns relative to the level of risk they are comfortable
with. Returns can come in the form of capital gains, dividends, interest payments, or other
forms of income.
Security: Security refers to the safety of an investment and the protection of the invested
capital. Investments that are considered secure are less likely to experience significant
losses or default. Government bonds, high-quality corporate bonds, and certain types of
savings accounts are examples of investments often considered secure.
Marketability: Marketability pertains to how easily an investment can be bought or sold
in the market without significantly affecting its price. Highly marketable investments
typically have high trading volumes and low bid-ask spreads. Stocks traded on major
exchanges, government bonds, and actively traded mutual funds are examples of
investments with high marketability.
Liquidity: Liquidity refers to the ease with which an investment can be converted into
cash without affecting its price. Highly liquid investments can be quickly bought or sold
in the market with minimal impact on their value. Cash and cash equivalents, publicly
traded stocks, and actively traded ETFs are examples of highly liquid investments.
Convenience: Convenience refers to how easy it is for investors to access and manage
their investments. This can include factors such as user-friendly interfaces for online
trading platforms, availability of investment options through employer-sponsored
retirement plans, and accessibility of customer support services. Investments that offer
convenience can attract investors who value simplicity and ease of use.
UNIT 2
Risk and return are fundamental concepts in finance that are closely related to
investment decision-making. Let's break down each concept and discuss how returns
are computed, the concept of total risk, and the factors contributing to total risk,
including systematic and unsystematic risk:
Technical analysis involves studying historical market data, primarily price and
volume, to forecast future price movements. Here's an overview of some common
technical analysis tools:
1. ROC (Rate of Change): ROC is a momentum oscillator that measures the percentage
change in price between the current price and the price a certain number of periods
ago. It helps traders identify the speed or momentum of price movements.
2. RSI (Relative Strength Index): RSI is a momentum oscillator that measures the
speed and change of price movements. It oscillates between 0 and 100 and is
typically used to identify overbought or oversold conditions in a security.
3. Volume of Trade: Volume refers to the number of shares or contracts traded in a
security or market during a given period. High volume often indicates strong investor
interest and liquidity.
4. Support and Resistance Levels: Support levels are price levels where a downtrend
can be expected to pause due to a concentration of demand. Resistance levels are
price levels where an uptrend can be expected to pause due to a concentration of
supply. Traders use these levels to make decisions about entering or exiting trades.
5. Exponential Moving Average (EMA): EMA is a type of moving average that places
greater weight and significance on more recent data points. It is commonly used to
identify trends and potential reversal points.
6. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): MACD is a trend-following
momentum indicator that shows the relationship between two moving averages of a
security’s price. It consists of the MACD line (the difference between two exponential
moving averages) and a signal line (a moving average of the MACD line). Traders use
MACD to identify changes in trend direction and potential buy or sell signals.
7. Japanese Candlesticks: Japanese candlestick charts display the high, low, open, and
close prices of a security for a specific period. Each candlestick typically represents
one trading period. Candlestick patterns are used by traders to analyze price action
and predict future price movements.