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Most people sought bitcoin as a hedge against the shaky economic crisis caused by the spread of Covid-19. Source: Martin Bureau / AFP

Stock volumes have taken a hike in 2020, and increased even more in the early days of 2021. Average daily volume each year is as follows: seven billion in 2019, 10.9 billion in 2020 and 14.7 billion this year so far. “For trading volumes, the new year starts at a consistent, unprecedented, strong and record pace,” according to Rich Repetto, who tracks trading volumes at Piper Sandler. 

Another trend was the rise of one financial asset: Bitcoin. Most people sought bitcoin as a hedge against the shaky economic crisis caused by the spread of Covid-19. Even institutional investors such as Microstrategy, Tesla, Square Corp etc., resorted their cash reserves into Bitcoin. It has become so mainstream that giant financial institutions like Paypal, Visa, JP Morgan etc., are offering crypto services. 

The learning curve for becoming a successful stock trader can be very steep, especially for those just getting started. Reading a book on stock trading theory is possible, but getting the practical knowledge, skills, and confidence to trade with your own money requires more thorough training with real-time support. If you’re into stock trading and want to learn more, here are three courses that can offer the knowledge and skills you need: 

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The recent financial crises, global and regional, have highlighted the need for higher-level thoughtful planning. Source: Chris Delmas/AFP

Finance

There is an increasing demand in the finance industry for digital literacy, business analytics and innovation. A finance degree provides you the tools you will need to shape the future of finance.

You’ll be introduced to detailed knowledge of the operations and activities of financial markets; understand key financial areas such as revenue, profit, operational efficiency, capital efficiency and liquidity at a national and global level; and consider the current challenges and issues facing financial institutions, markets and multinational corporations.

That’s not all, you’ll also gain an understanding of management principles, their application to policies and the latest theories in finance. This includes the changing ethical and corporate responsibility issues or the need for continuous improvement in a digital age, where omni-channel service and operational strategies are now essential.

Electives allow students to specialise. Topics include corporate valuation, derivative securities, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio theory, asset pricing and banking. 

Risk Management

The recent financial crises, global and regional, have highlighted the need for higher level thoughtful planning; this is essential for the long term sustainability of the financial sector. Risk managers are financial experts that have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to identify and evaluate risk factors, and to implement strategy plans to prevent or minimise losses.

A degree in Risk Management will expose you to the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges. It equips students with practical knowledge in the areas of financial planning, risk management and insurance, investment and portfolio management, taxation law, superannuation, and estate planning.

Economics 

Economics is the foundation of modern business. Bold, forward-thinking economists can bring strategy, efficiency, and change to any organisation, whether it’s an international business, a government department, or a charity. As a business economist, you’ll make decisions that count.

A new product launch, a venture into foreign markets, the introduction of innovative technology – all benefit from the skills, vision, and analytical thinking of an economist. 

A degree in economics trains students in theoretical and analytical methods that can be applied to business and management positions at finance and public policy institutions. You will learn how economic welfare, financial markets, and government impact income and wealth creation; release economic performance indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); or forecast to determine bank interest rate levels.