Not All Companies Are Viewed as Equal

Business Ethics – 2 Page Assignment

*** NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE.***

Assignment 1: Not All Companies Are Viewed as Equal

In the land of free trade, the public does not view all industries as equal. Do you believe that is ethical? Do you believe that some industries are unfairly targeted? Should it be consumers’ choice to partake in products that are not healthy for them, or do those companies have an ethical obligation to protect people? In this assignment, you will choose one (1) industry to write about. Possible industries to research could be tobacco, soda, alcohol, casinos, or candy companies, just to name a few.

Write a one and a half to two (1½ – 2) page paper in which you:

  1. Become an advocate for either the consumer or the industry. Prepare an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry.
  2. Explain the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making.
  3. Discuss if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Justify your response.
  4. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
  5. Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
        1. Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
        2. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, your professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
        3. Include a reference page. Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

  • Determine the considerations for and process of ethical business decision making to balance corporate and social responsibilities, and address moral, economic, and legal concerns.
  • Analyze selected business situations using the predominant ethical theories, such as utilitarian, Kantian, and virtue ethics to guide ethical business decision making.
  • Use technology and information resources to research issues in business ethics.
  • Write clearly and concisely about business ethics using proper writing mechanics.

*******GRADING RUBIC BELOW**********

Assignment 1: Not All Companies Are Viewed as Equal
Criteria Unacceptable

Below 60% F

Meets Minimum Expectations

60-69% D

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Prepare an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry.
Weight: 35%
Did not submit or incompletely prepared an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry. Insufficiently prepared an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry. Partially prepared an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry. Satisfactorily prepared an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry. Thoroughly prepared an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry.
2. Explain the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making.

Weight 20%

Did not submit or incompletely explained the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making. Insufficiently explained the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making. Partially explained the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making. Satisfactorily explained the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making. Thoroughly explained the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making.
3. Discuss if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Justify your response.

Weight 20%

Did not submit or incompletely discussed if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Did not submit or incompletely justified your response. Insufficiently discussed if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Insufficiently justified your response. Partially discussed if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Partially justified your response. Satisfactorily discussed if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Satisfactorily justified your response. Thoroughly discussed if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail. Thoroughly justified your response.
4. 2 references

Weight: 10%

No references provided Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices. Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices. Meets number of required references; some references high-quality choices. Meets number of required references; all references high-quality choices.
5. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements

Weight: 15%

More than 8 errors present 7-8 errors present 5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors
 
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Data Analytics Requirement

In this case, you will use Tableau to analyze the sales and cost transactions for an insurance company. You will first have to find and correct errors in the data set using Excel. Using Tableau, you will then sort the data, join tables, format data, filter data, create a calculated field, create charts, and other items, and will draw conclusions based on these results.

1

A325 Cost Accounting

Data Analytics Case – KAT Insurance Corporation Student Guide for Tableau Project

Overview In this case, you will use Tableau to analyze the sales and cost transactions for an insurance company. You will first have to find and correct errors in the data set using Excel. Using Tableau, you will then sort the data, join tables, format data, filter data, create a calculated field, create charts, and other items, and will draw conclusions based on these results.

General learning objectives 1. Clean the data in a data set 2. Analyze sales trends 3. Interpret findings

Tableau learning objectives 1. Join two tables 2. Create calculated fields 3. Build visualizations by dragging fields to the view 4. Format data types within the view 5. Filter data in Tableau visualization 6. Format data within the Tableau visualization 6. Utilize the Marks card to change measures for sum, count and average 8. Sort data in visualization by stated criteria 8. Create a bar chart in the view 10. Create a map chart

 

 

2

Background This KAT Insurance Corporation data set is based on real-life data from a national insurance company. The data set contains more than 65,000 insurance sales records from 2017. All data and names have been anonymized to preserve privacy.

Requirement A (60 points) The original data set has typographical errors in the Region and Insurance Type fields. Use Excel to find and correct those errors in the data set.

You will turn in a Tableau file with .twbx extension showing the completed results in tables AND graphs to support the following tasks.

• Generate a new sheet AND a graph ranking profitability by insurance type. The profitability is measured by total contribution margin.

• Generate a new sheet AND a graph ranking profitability by insurance type. The profitability is measured by contribution margin ratio.

• Generate a new sheet AND a graph ranking profitability by state. The profitability is measured by contribution margin ratio.

• Generate a map chart to show profitability of each state on the map.

Requirement B (40 points) Answer the following questions.

1. What is the trend or takeaway you have observed in the results of profitability ranking (total contribution margin) by insurance type?

2. What is the trend or takeaway you have observed in the results of profitability ranking (contribution margin ratio) by insurance type?

3. Does the ranking by total contribution margin look similar to the ranking by contribution margin ratio? Explain why they agree or disagree.

4. Based on your answers for Requirement A, what was the average of the contribution margin for home insurance sales?

5. Based on your answers for Requirement A, what was the sum of the contribution margin ratio for professional insurance?

6. Based on your answers for Requirement A, what was the sum of the contribution margin ratio for Pennsylvania

7. Based on your answers for Requirement A, what state had the highest sum of contribution margin? 8. Based on your answers for Requirement A, what was the most profitable state in the Midwest

region as measured by the contribution margin?

Data dictionary for main data set • Region: This field contains the region in which the insurance was sold. There are six regions:

Midwest, New England, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, and West. • State: This field contains the state in which the insurance policy applies. The data is from sales

to the 48 states in continental US and the District of Columbia. (KAT Insurance does not offer insurance in the states of Alaska and Hawaii.)

• Salesperson: This field contains the name of the salesperson who sold the policy.

 

 

3

• Insurance Type: This field contains the type of insurance policy. • State Type: This field is a combination of the State and Insurance Type fields. • Sales: This field contains the selling price of the insurance policy. • Date of Sale: This field contains the date that the policy was sold. • Invoice No: This field contains the invoice number. • Country: This field contains the country in which the policy was sold. At this time, KAT Insurance

only sells policies in the US. • Variable Cost Percent: This field contains the variable cost of each policy.

 

  • A325 Cost Accounting
  • Data Analytics Case – KAT Insurance Corporation Student Guide for Tableau Project
    • Overview
    • General learning objectives
    • Tableau learning objectives
    • Background
    • Requirement A (60 points)
    • Requirement B (40 points)
 
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National Finance Institute FNS50315

National Finance Institute FNS50315

 

1. Assignment 1 – CASE STUDY 1− You are required to complete 1 submission to a lender on behalf of these clients

2. Assignment 2 – CASE STUDY 2 –You are required to complete 2 submissions for these equipment finance clients

3. Assignment 3 – THEORY ASSIGNMENT –This is an open book assignment on the units studied within this course

4. Assignment 4 – SERVICING AND RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT –You are required to use what you have learned and your research skills to obtain information necessary to understand the complex legal requirements and risks when providing broking services to clients with complex loan needs

5. Assignment 5 – SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING Business Plan –You are required to use the information provided in Unit 1 along with research on the internet to prepare a Sustainability Business Plan

6. Compulsory Education Department Feedback form

Instructions−Instructions help you understand the questions and complete the assignment

Questions/Scenario −There may be one or more questions relating to the competencies you are required to demonstrate. Trainees must ensure that the Cover Sheet provided is included with the full completed 5 Assignment submission (ie. use the provided cover sheet as the front page to your 5 assignments and submit together).

The Assessment is comprised of online questions + 5 assignments that as a whole make up the complete Assessment. You are required to complete the online questions then submit the remaining 5 assignments together.

Please note, extensive answers are not always required. Brief answers may be appropriate for some questions as long as you ensure your response adequately addresses the question.

Important: Presenting your Assessment submission in a format that is clear and appropriately structured forms part of your assessment and also demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas and concepts and use technology. After NFI has reviewed your Learning Activity question answers and your 5 Assignments have been marked, your marks will be advised put into the online platform.

All Assessments tasks should be submitted together ie. at the same time, either by mail or email or by uploading into the online platform.

Your completed assessments will NOT be returned to you as they are retained for audit purposes as required. The assessment tasks will also be used to assess your language and literacy skills. The assessor will check your assignments to ensure that they are accurate with correct grammar and punctuation

· that they are appropriate to the target audience

· that they show planning and organisational skill

· that they demonstrate your ability to search for products and service information and use problem solving approaches to identify customer needs and expectations.

Time limits− You have six (6) months in which to complete all of your course assessments. You may submit your assessments at any time within this six month period. Extensions are only available after this time for an additional fee. If your six months expires you will no longer have online access available.

Pass mark− The assessments above together form the full assessment content of this Diploma course and you are required to achieve 80% on each assessment task in order to pass the course.

Keep a copy− With all assessments submitted you should ensure you retain an electronic or scanned or photocopied record of your submissions for your own files and in case of possible loss in transit.

Assignment 1

Overview: The purpose of this task is to allow you to demonstrate that you can complete the major steps required in broking or writing a moderately complex loan for a customer – through identification, development and implementation of loan options while assessing and managing risks. The samples in Appendix A may prove helpful. Remember that what you prepare will need to be presented to the client orally and thus must be understood by them.

Instructions: Read the scenario provided and using the information and data supplied, prepare a formal loan submission for a lender using the following headings. Use subheadings where appropriate to ensure your submission will be easily read and understood by the lender. The client file should contain the standard client information and data that would be included in a typical submission for a loan of this complexity. Your lender submission should include as a minimum the following headings:

· Borrower’s Details

· Background

· Loan Purpose

· Facility Details

· Funds Position

· Servicing Capacity

· Security

· Risk Assessment and Management (according to lender policy, guidelines and relevant legislation). Consideration must be given to any environmental, heritage or native title implications

· Recommendations

· Attachments

Scenario

Andrew Bisset has been a real estate agent for over 20 years and jointly with his wife Jane own 6 shops at 55 Park Road, Belmont. Mr and Mrs Bisset own the shopping centre under the Bisset Family Trust. The property was valued 2 years ago at $1,450,000 and has a current ABZ Bank Mortgage of $625,000.

Five of the shops are rented out for $96,000. The sixth shop is occupied by Mr Bisset’s real estate business, Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd, which pays annual rental of $42,000 to the family trust. For tax purposes Bisset’s Real Estate pays rent which is $20,000 in excess of the fair market rental value of the shop it occupies.

Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd was formed at the beginning of the last financial year to take over the real estate agency business, which was previously conducted by a partnership between Mr Bisset and Joseph Hooper. Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd took over the business when Mr Hooper retired.

Mr and Mrs Bisset now wish to acquire 3,000m2 of land near their existing shopping centre and hold it for 1 – 2 years pending rezoning.. The purchase price is $600,000. The land was previously used as a State Government Health and Dental Centre, but the building was demolished when it became obsolete. The land is currently zoned ‘Special Purpose’, but the local council earmarked the land for future ‘Commercial’ use in it recently released Town Planning Scheme. The land is located at 423 Belmont Road, Belmont and has a two street frontage with considerable passing traffic.

The Bissets have contracted to purchase the property in their capacity as trustees of their family trust and settlement is due with 60 days. They wish to raise 100% of the purchase price plus $25,000 for stamp duty, financing and conveyancing costs. They are willing to offer both the land and their existing shopping centre as security for the proposed loan. They will contribute a further $20,000 over the next 1−2 years to cover the costs associated with re−zoning of the property and obtaining approval to develop another shopping centre.

Unfortunately, ABZ Bank policy does not allow them to lend against land zoned ‘Special Purpose’ and cannot assist with the purchase. The Bissets have appointed you to approach an alternative lender to refinance their ABZ Bank Loan and obtain the additional funds required. Assume an interest rate of 7% for a commercial loan, 9% for an overdraft.

Work History

Andrew has been a real estate agent for 22 years in the Brisbane South East area, he specialises in commercial and industrial property (rent roll comprises 75% commercial and industrial properties). His gross salary last financial year was $78,000. In the previous financial year he drew $55,000 from the partnership with Joseph Hooper. Jane has worked as the property manager since Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd took over the agency after the partnership. Her salary last financial year was $43,000. She did not work in the previous financial year.

Financial Information

Last Financial year Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd recorded the following financial results:

Gross Revenue $346,000
Net Profit $72,000
Depreciation $14,000
Directors Superannuation $11,000

In the previous financial year the partnership of Andrew Bisset and Joseph Hooper trading as Bisset’s Real Estate recorded the following financial results:

Gross Revenue $422,000
Net Profit $ 84,000
Depreciation $ 16,000
Directors Superannuation $ 11,000

The Bisset Family Trust purchased the shopping centre at Park Road Belmont 18 months ago and its financial statements for the past financial year are as follows:

Gross Rental Income $138,000
Loan Interest $ 52,000
Management Fees $ 11,000 (paid to Bisset’s RE Pty Ltd)
Net Profit $ 50,000
Depreciation $ 25,000

 

Financial Position – Andrew and Jane Bisset  
ASSETS

House at 12 Currumbin Close Carindale QLD

 

$560,000

Share Portfolio (Blues Chip Listed Shares) $345,000
Motor Vehicles $ 60,000
Furniture $ 85,000
Cash at Bank $ 45,000
LIABILITIES

Home Loan with ABZ Bank

 

$190,000

ABZ Bank Credit Card (Limit $20,000) $ 10,000

 

Financial Position of Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd Assets

Business Goodwill $250,000
Plant & Equipment $35,000
Debtors $30,000
Liabilities  
ABZ Bank Overdraft (limit $40,000 secured by residence) $25,000

(Keep in mind that, in the absence of actual tax returns which would confirm the income distribution of the trust, any profit would be distributed and taxed in the hands of the beneficiaries. For the purposes of this assignment, assume company tax of 30%, even though in “real life” of course you cannot assume and the distributions would be clear in “real life” financials.)

Property being purchased

Vacant Land

423 Belmont Road, Belmont QLD 4171

Lot 84 on RP 9564 Zoning “Special Purpose” Area 3000m2

Existing Property

Shopping Centre

55 Park Road, Belmont QLD 4171

Lot 43 on RP 9542 Zoning “Commercial” Area 1850m2

Tenancies

Tenant Rent Term Rent Review
J & R Blend

T/A Blend News

$22,000 pa net 3 + 3 years Annually by CPI
Copelin Accounting Pty Ltd $18,000 pa net 1+ 1 +1 years Annually by CPI
R Spragos

T/A Roger’s Deli

$28,000 pa net 5 + 5 years Annually by CPI
Vu Nguyen

T/A Care Pharmacy

$20,000 pa net 3 + 3 years Annually by CPI
M Goodson

T/A Good Alterations

$8,000 pa net 3 + 3 years Annually by CPI
Bisset’s Real Estate Pty Ltd $42,000 pa net 3 + 3 years Annually by CPI

Assignment 2

Instructions

The assessment for this module is to prepare TWO    submissions (see A and B below):

Part A: This is for the client so that they have the facts on all their obligations and fees and the structure of the loan. Remember that what you prepare will need to be presented to the client orally and thus must be understood by them.

Part B: This is for the lender − a loan application to the lender in order to gain pre− approval.

Part A – The Client

1. Prepare a list of questions that you would need to ask your clients about the proposed transaction, that is, prepare your needs analysis (ie. Fact Find).

2. In a suitable format, prepare a submission for the clients, a Proposal Document.

What your report should include:

1. The parties to the loan

2. The security

3. The facility details

4. Lender details (options, recommendations) that are able to lend

5. Confirmation of the client’s complex requirements

6. The personnel that maybe involved: eg. the client’s solicitor, accountant, financial advisor

7. The client’s responsibilities, so the client fully understands the loan

8. An outline as to the process timing and what the client needs to arrange

9. The documentation needed to commence the borrowing

10. The name in which the client will sign the contract to purchase

11. A summary of all fees and charges

12. Your notes detailing how you have provided appropriate contact with the client throughout the complex broking process

The samples in Appendix A may prove helpful.

Part B– The Lender

Prepare a loan submission to the lender for pre−approval. Your submission should include as a minimum the following headings:

1. Borrower’s Details

2. Background

3. Loan Purpose

4. Facility Details

5. Funds Position

6. Servicing Capacity

7. Security

8. Risk Assessment and Management (according to lender policy, guidelines and relevant legislation). Consideration must be given to any environmental, heritage or native title implications

9. Recommendations

10. Attachments

Evidence Requirements In order to be deemed competent, you will need to evidence the ability to:

· Develop detailed broking options designed to maximise the client’s outcomes and reach client objectives which incorporate elements from research and which address complex needs and issues

· Identify and describe key assumptions upon which the plan is based

· Provide a detailed analysis of research strategies and findings

· Test and make appropriate checks on a proposed plan for its integrity and compliance

· Assess the impacts of taxation, social security, economic and other government policies on client investment and financial requirements

· Interpret and comply with industry regulations and codes of practice

· Identify the roles of associated financial advisers and work effectively with them

· Assess broking options, financial markets and investment characteristics

· Use appropriate sales and marketing methodologies and provide justification and research evidence

· Gain client feedback on and/or agreement to the plan

· Prepare materials and personnel to effectively implement complex loan structures

· Establish appropriate audit trails and effectively document records and data.

Scenario

Commercial Equipment Finance for Ray Henley and Steve Manning The clients you met with this morning have been referred to you by another commercial client.

They are joint company owners Ray Henley and Steve Manning and they run a successful and growing transport company. They have a diverse client base spread over many industry sectors which is a conscious management strategy to ensure that they do not have significant business risk to a specific market segment or client. All contracts are written with 30 day payment terms. Background industry checks as well as credit history checks are completed on all new business prospects to ensure that there are no adverse issues that may impact on future trading arrangements.

Whilst they have only been trading for 34 months they have a solid business plan with actual results to date exceeding projected sales and profit estimates included in their plan.

The business was established with unsecured (apart from Personal Guarantees) Seed Capital of $500k from a private investor based on a guaranteed return of $45k pa, and an overall term of 5 years which also requires a principal reduction of $100k pa. The loan can be repaid at any time without penalty.

Ray and Steve’s Requirements To accommodate new contracts in hand and planned future expansion, the applicants require establishment of an Equipment Finance Limit of $500k to purchase Trucks and Dog Trailers in the next 12 months. On the advice of their accountant, a new entity, Henman Holdings Pty Ltd ATF The Henman Discretionary Trust, has been established to purchase equipment which will be internally hired to Henman Transport Pty Ltd (the trading entity). Hire charges will equate to finance payments. Ray and Steve are directors of both companies. The longer term intention is for the Trust to acquire premises to be occupied by Henman Transport Pty Ltd.

As part of this expansion the company has leased a second depot at a cost of $6,000pm and will also retain the existing depot.

They currently have 5 employees and where needed are using sub−contract operators to fill shortfall in their delivery capacity. Purchase of new additional trucks and trailers will provide additional capacity and flexibility and reduce reliance on sub−contractors who can be unreliable.

Whilst a limit is being sought, purchases will only proceed where additional work has been contracted or older equipment is being replaced. Applicants are happy to provide half yearly management accounts as an approval covenant to give a lender comfort that projected sales and profits are in line with budgets.

Applicants are keen to reduce debt as quickly as possible and have therefore decided to finance all new equipment over a 48 month term, without a balloon/residual and will commit a refund of GST Input Credits as additional repayments built into the contracted loan structure.

Initial Fact Find Ray and Steve have both been in the transport industry for many years each being Financial controllers for major transport companies. Ray has an MBA and Steve a marketing degree. These combined skills complement each other and assist in the effective management of the business. Ray is married and has no dependants. His wife is a school teacher and she will be retiring at the end of the year.

Steve is single and is presently completing a HR degree as they feel that as the business grows these skills will be required. Steve and Ray have provided the last two year’s financial accounts for the trading business, as well as interim accounts for the current financial year.

(Note: You need to calculate the required servicing for the new debt and surplus required for lender comfort. Assume an interest rate of 10% for the proposed debt)

Financial accounts

· Year 1− Sales $700k Net Profit $240,000

· Year 2− Sales $812k Net Profit $358,000

· Current year interim indication− Sales 1.125m Net Profit $506,000 (10 months) Operating Costs include – Depreciation $86,000, Interest $52,000, Sub−contractors $71,000, Directors’ Superannuation $60,000

· Wages to partner one $100,000 (paid as Fully Franked Dividend)

· Wages to partner two $100,000 (paid as Fully Franked Dividend)

· Payment to private investor (flat fee) $45,000− Expensed in P&L as Finance Cost

· Existing Equipment Finance (Chattel Mortgages) repayments of $5,000pm

Key Balance Sheet Items

Cash $25,000
Debtors $220,000
Creditors $100,000
 

Notes:

They currently meet all creditor payments at 30−day terms.

Debtor collection has been solid with active management of debtors and pre−contract investigation of new clients.

They have just signed a delivery contract with Organic Flower Growers who supply to Coles Supermarkets state−wide. To accommodate this work their initial purchase will be a refrigerated Pantec truck at a cost of $145000. Projected net profit from this contract is $60k pa

Assignment 3

1. Describe how you gather the information required when establishing the client’s complex lending requirements?

In answering this question you should refer to:

· Explanation of the services provided to the client

· Listening and questioning techniques you employ

· Your use of language appropriate to any cultural differences

· Your interpersonal skills and how you would deal with any emotive issues sensitively

· Your ability to build/establish rapport

· Your professionalism

· Your communication skills

Your provision of appropriate contact with client throughout the complex broking process

2. Describe how you record and document your interaction with clients?

In answering this question you must refer to:

· Templates used to gather information in initial interview

· Diarising or recording telephone conversations

· Procedures that are established for critical implementation, timing and priorities

· The  documentation gathered

· Any technology used to record or gather information.

· How you access and use appropriate specialist software, organisational templates, spreadsheets and databases

How your recommendations and loan structures, as presented to clients, are documented according to organisation guidelines and procedures

3. Describe how you research and consider complex broking solutions based on the clients’ needs? In answering this question you must refer to:

· How special or complex features of a client’s situation and objectives are discussed, reviewed and clarified

· The analysis of the client situation to determine opportunities and constraints

· Research into loan structures or options including those which are new or non standard

· Consideration of financial issues in terms of economic, legislation, taxation, legal, insurance

· In what conditions would the broker need to refer clients to a Tier One advisor (eg. financial advisor or accountant)

· How possible loan structure or options are analysed, modeled, prioritised, and measured

· The process used to reject inappropriate options including checks to ensure compliance with relevant acts

· Assessment of options to successfully achieve the client’s objectives

How you liaise with others, share information, listen and understand

4. Describe and/or provide evidence of how you identify and manage risk when dealing with clients with complex loan requirements?

In answering this question you must consider:

· Risk evaluation criteria eg undertaking risk categorisation and determining the level of risk

· Risk assessment tools (eg. valuation practices)

· Communication of the aspects of the valuation result/s to clients

· Discussion on the issues around an adverse valuation

· Establishment of the probability of risk including the severity and/or impact

· Identification of stakeholders and how throughout the loan process

· you seek their views

· provide pertinent risk information – clearly describe risks

· recommend amendments to existing controls and report any need for new controls

1. How would you as a professional in the industry ensure that you comply with industry and government requirements and professional codes of practice?

2. How would you read and interpret organisational and industry information?

5. Provide an example of how you present the loan options to the client, including an explanation of why you chose that option or options. This also must state the name of the lender and an explanation of why you chose that lender.

In answering this question you must consider: how you guide the client through options including:

· Discussion of impact– advantages, disadvantages, risks and financial implications

· Fees charges and commissions inclusive of any fees paid by the lender directly to the broker

· How would you explain to the client the lender conditions as they comply with relevant legislation, regulatory guidelines, industry sector compliance requirements and the lenders policy

· Research and documentation provided to the client

· Consultation required with other financial services professionals (eg. accountants, lawyers, financial planners, valuers, etc.)

· Confirmation that the client understands the options presented and any concerns are addressed

Providing information on complaints resolution procedures (internal and external) as included in the information provided to the client.

6. Prior to presenting the loan options to the client did you identify any concerns that the client may raise? What preparation was completed to respond to these concerns?

Consider:

· Research/documentation  materials

· Alternative  recommendations

· Regulatory limits and financier guidelines

In your answer you should also refer to your ability to:

· Identify and respond appropriately to client concerns

· Exercise restraint when dealing with clients in conflict situations

The process used to gain agreement to proceed from the client.

Assignment 4

Question 1: In this exercise we are analysing some financial statements in preparation for completing a submission to a financier. The scenario is provided below and an income statement and balance sheet is then provided for Wholesale Butchers. You will then have3 tasksto do:

A. Using the 2 financial statements provided for Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd, calculate the ratios in the table provided and comment as to the risk using Low/Medium/High rating:

B. Complete the manual Serviceability Analysis for Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd by inserting the figures into the table provided

C. List your comments on the outcome from your completed Serviceability Analysis as you would if presenting this in a submission to a lender.

Scenario:

Mr Brett Olsen has owned his wholesale butcher company “Wholesale Butchers” for the past four years. He is the sole director and shareholder of the company. The past six months has seen an influx in orders and, to keep up with demand, he requires another refrigerated van in order to maintain delivery standards and turnaround times to his respective buyers.

Mr Olsen is purchasing a second hand van, 1 year old, from RV Dealers for $55,000 and is considering a 5 year Chattel Mortgage (CM), with an interest rate of 9% and monthly repayments of $1,133.21. He has opted not to provide a deposit and is not seeking any balloon at the end of the loan term. As no deposit is to be applied, repayments will be monthly in advance.

Brett’s only business debts are an overdraft with CBA with a limit of $25,000 and current balance of $2,800 and his CM with Esanda for his existing refrigerated van, monthly repayments $1,058 pm with 2 years remaining. His financials for the financial years ending 2014 and 2015 are provided here for your perusal and assessment.

Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd Income Statement For the financial year ending 30 June 2015

  2014

$

2015

$

Sales   485,000 509,250
Cost of Goods Sold   291,000 305,550
  Gross Profit 194,000 203,700

 

Operating Expenses Advertising 1,250 1,300
  Depreciation 9,000 7,650
  Interest 4,372 3,735
  Office Equipment 1,000 1,100
  Rent 29,100 30,555
  Stationery 800 925
  Utilities 25,000 26,000
  Vehicle Expenses 9,700 10,185
  Wages/Staff 48,500 50,925
  Salaries 32,000 35,000
  Amortisation 500 500
  Total Operating Expenses 161,222 167,875

 

                                           Net Profit                                     32,778                  35,825

 

Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd

 

Balance Sheet

For the financial year ending 30 June

 

 

 

2015

 
   

2014

 

2015

  $ $
Assets    
Current Assets                  Cash 22,945 25,078
Receivables 4,042 4,244
Stock on Hand 5,596 5,876
(May be recorded as Inventory)    
Total Current Assets 32,582 35,197
Non-Current Assets         Plant and equipment 24,000 21,600
Vehicles 35,000 29,750
Other Non-Current Assets 2,348 2,574
Intangibles (Formation Costs) 6,250 5,750
 

 

Total Non-Current Assets

 

 

67,598

 

 

59,674

Total Assets 100,180 94,871
Liabilities    
Current Liabilities            Creditors 11,192 11,752
Overdraft CBA (Limit $25,000) 3,600 2,800
CM Esanda Current Portion ($1058×12) 12,696 12,696
Provisions                          Employees 4,042 4,244
Other 598 637
Total Current Liabilities 32,128 32,129
Non-Current Liabilities CM Esanda Long Term Portion 22,256 11,295
Total Non-Current Liabilities 22,256 11,295
 

Total Liabilities and Provisions

 

 

54,384

 

 

43,424

Net Assets 45,796 51,448

Part A− Using the financial statements provided − Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd − you should fill in the table below by calculating the ratios in the 2014 and 2015 columns and in the Risk Grade column comment as to the risk using the grading of LOW, MODERATE  or HIGH.

You should also make comments/notes on your analysis.

RATIO 2014 2015 Risk Grade
1. Current Ratio      
2. Quick Ratio (Acid Test)      
3. Return on Equity (ROE)      
4. Return on Assets (ROA)      
5. Debt to Equity Ratio      
6. Debt to Assets Ratio      
7. Leverage Ratio      
8. Interest Cover Ratio (ICR) – Existing Debt      
9. Debt Servicing Cover Ratio (DSCR) – Existing Debt      

Part B. Using the financial statements provided − Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd − complete the serviceability analysis  below.

  30 June 20 30 June 20
  Values in $000 Values in $000
Net Profit Before Tax(Note  1)    
Potential Add Backs    
Interest    
Depreciation / Amortisation (Note  2)    
Directors Salaries / Superannuation (Note  3)    
Other non−cash items    
Extraordinary / Non recurring expenses (may be Plus or Minus) (Note 4)    
Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA)    
Taxation allowance (Note 5)**    
Available for Debt Service    
Interest Cover Ratio    
Proposed Deductible Interest Costs:    
Existing $            k @             % *    
Plus Proposed        $          k @             %*    
Total Proposed Interest Costs    
Proposed Interest Cover(Note  6)

(EBITDA divided by Proposed Interest Cost)

   
Debt Service Cover Ratio    
Existing O/D or Credit Card assumed fully drawn at prevailing interest rate interest only*    
Existing Loan Repayments    
Proposed Loan Repayments    
Total Commitment Proposed    
DSCR(Note 7)(Available for Debt Service divided by Total Commitment Proposed)    

Part C. Complete comments on the outcome from the Serviceability Analysis, as you would if presenting this in a submission to the financier.

Wholesale Butchers Pty Ltd − Serviceability Analysis Comments Comments may include but are not limited  to:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Question 2: Please research the Internet (eg. Google) on the subjects below and review the course material, then provide comprehensive answers to the following: A Trusts

· What is a Unit Trust?

· What is a Discretionary Trust?

· What is a Hybrid Trust?

· What is a Discretionary Family Trust?

· What is a Trustee?

· Define the differences of each type of Trust, including the obligation/s of the Trustee

· Provide an example of when each type of Trust would be used.

B Company

· What are the legal requirements of a company?

· What are the personal obligations of directors by law (please summarise)?

· Can anyone be a director of a company?

· What is the minimum number of directors required?

Question 3:From your research activities please provide answers to the following (from a Financial Accounting perspective)

· What is a Balance sheet?

· What is a Profit and Loss statement?

· What is Depreciation?

· What is Liquidity Ratio?

· What is Current Ratio?

· What is Debt to Equity Ratio?

· What is a Cashflow Statement?

· What is an Asset?

· What is Liability?

· How is a Net Profit determined?

· How would you define Equity?

· Under Australian taxation conditions, what are allowable expenses (provide 3 acceptable examples)?

Question 4: From your research activities please provide a definition of the following products and give examples:

· Commercial Bank Bill

· Invoice or Factoring Finance

· Chattel Mortgage

· Asset Finance product or Equipment Finance

Question 5: In the Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 there are 11 Principles of Risk Management. List 6 of them and briefly state what each one is about.

Principle Outline of Principle
   
   
   
   
   
   

Question 6: There are many ways that an Industry Analysis can be completed. We have provided a sample below of a simple process to categorise the overall risk of any business/industry that you may choose to analyse. Please review the entries on the table below. To simplify the process some factors have been grouped together to alleviate any overlap of impact.

Task:In approximately 200 words, explain why you believe it is necessary to categorise risks

Industry Risk Factor Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
 

Life Cycle

 

Mature Industry

 

Mature or Saturated

Decline or Introductory
 

Social/Demographic

 

Stable trends

 

Unstable trends

Very unstable – strong trend impact
 

Cost Structure

Lower Fixed costs −

Higher Variable Costs

Fixed Costs Higher than Variable Very High Fixed Costs, Very Low Variable Costs
EconomicEnvironment Not impacted by Business Cycle Some impact by Business Cycle Heavily impacted by Business Cycle
PoliticalEnvironment None to little influence, some regulation Some to heavy, Influenced by regulation Strong Influence – heavily regulated
 

Buyer Impact

 

Many Buyers

 

Fewer Buyers

Few buyers, large search effort, high budget required
 

Supplier Impact

 

Many Suppliers

Limited or Few Suppliers Dependent on one or few, large input value
Threat of New Entrant  

High barriers to entrant.

Lower start up costs, access to market No new entrant barriers− very low costs
Threat of Substitute Product/Service  

No Substitution

Some substitutes −

low cost to switch

High level of substitutes no switching costs

Assignment 5

Task:Please construct a written plan for sustainability for your business (or proposed business). Please incorporate all the points below into your plan. Length should be approximately 1000 words ie. two typed pages. Note, if you are in, or propose to be in, a sole trader business or working within a structure that has their own business plan, then not all of the points may be applicable to you however they should be covered in your assignment. Simply say after the point “may not be applicable to my business” however most points should be. Also please note that profitability is crucial to sustainability and should be considered in any plan.

Additional assistance:

· We provide a Government Sustainability Toolkit document in Appendix k

· You can utilise the internet to assist with your research, for example:

· http://sustainabilityskills.net.au/what−is−sustainability/my−business/

· http://sustainabilityskills.net.au/what−is−sustainability/sustainability− practice/strategy−and−management/planning−and−procedures/

Points to cover in your plan:

· Define scope of sustainability policy − what do you want to  achieve.

· Gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy.

· Identify and consult stakeholders as a key component of the policy development process.

· Include appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use and employing life cycle management  approaches.

· Make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost.

· Develop policy that reflects the organisation’s commitment to sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity.

· Agree to appropriate methods of implementation, outcomes and performance indicators.

· Promote workplace sustainability policy, including its expected outcome, to key stakeholders.

· Inform those involved in implementing the policy about expected outcomes, activities to be undertaken and assigned responsibilities.

· Develop and communicate procedures to help implement workplace sustainability policy.

· Implement strategies for continuous improvement in resource efficiency.

· Establish and assign responsibility for recording systems to track continuous improvements  in  sustainability approaches.

· Document outcomes and provide feedback to key personnel and stakeholders.

· Investigate successes or otherwise of policy.

· Monitor records to identify trends that may require remedial action and use to promote continuous improvement of performance.

· Modify policy and or procedures as required to ensure improvements are made.

 
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Stock Market Strategies

Article review is on

Stock Market Strategies: Are You
an Active or Passive Investor?
After writing your Article Review, combine your review with the ideas/concepts presented from the textbook. Make sure to provide at least three pages
(750 to 1,000 words) using APA style. You must also include a reference page at the end of your summary. No late papers
will be graded and given a zero score, regardless of reason. suggestions:
1.
Do not limit yourself only to the material from the textbook. You may want to include references from the Internet,
or additional library research, etc. However, you must (at least) include detail from our textbook.
2.
Start early.
3.
Proofread your work. do not forget to check spelling and grammar…!

4.

This paper represents 12% of your course grade.
5. Apply real world content to your review. You may want to highlight current events, etc., to show the relevance in today’s economic environment.
6.
Do not rush this assignment. The article review represents a significant portion of your grade, and allows you to show off your scholarly talents. Research and writing skills are very important to employers, along with being a helpful exercise for personal growth.
Text book that needs to at least be reference is
Mishkin, F. S., & Eakins, S. G. (2012). Financial markets and institutions (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice H

PAGE ONE Economics®

An informative and accessible economic essay with a classroom application. Includes the full version of Page One Economics ®, plus questions for students and an answer key for classroom use.

National Common Core State Standards (see page 8)

CLASSROOM EDITION

April 2016

Stock Market Strategies: Are You an Active or Passive Investor? Scott A. Wolla, Ph.D., Senior Economic Education Specialist

 

 

If you ever ask an economist which stocks to buy, chances are you won’t get a specific answer. Instead, you might hear about the “efficiencies” of markets.1 In fact, there’s an old economics joke about market efficiency: Two economists walk down a sidewalk—one is older and wiser and the other is younger and less experienced. The younger economist says, “Look a $20 bill” and bends down to snatch it. The older economist says, “Don’t bother! It can’t be real or someone would have already picked it up.”

The joke is meant to exaggerate the belief held by many economists that markets quickly adjust to new information. Financial markets are said to be “efficient” if they leave no “money on the table” for very long. If there’s an opportunity to make a profit, buyers and sellers will swoop in and take it. Hence the joke—a $20 bill left on the street for any length of time might not be a real $20 bill at all.

Making Money in the Stock Market Savers have many investment options to choose from. Investing in stocks has risks, but over time, the stock market tends to have higher average returns than other popular investment options (see the boxed insert “Stock Market Returns Over Time”). Investors earn money on their stock purchases through dividends and capital gains. Dividends are shares of a company’s net profits paid to stockholders. Dividends are often paid quarterly and are commonly associated with established, profitable companies. Capital gains are the profit from the sale of a financial investment—for example, when a stock is sold for more than the original purchase price.

Every investor hopes to earn high returns—dividends plus capital gains— while minimizing risk. An effective way to minimize the risk of investing in stocks (a relatively risky financial asset) is to diversify. Diversification means to invest in various financial instruments—not just a specific one.

Stock Market Strategies: Are You an Active or Passive Investor? Scott A. Wolla, Ph.D., Senior Economic Education Specialist

GLOSSARY

Bonds: Certificates of indebtedness issued by a government or a publicly held corpora- tion, promising to repay borrowed money to the lenders at a fixed rate of interest and at a specified time.

Capital gains: A profit from the sale of finan- cial investments.

Diversification: Investment in various finan- cial instruments in order to reduce risk.

Dividend: A share of a company’s net profits paid to stockholders.

Efficient market hypothesis (EMH): The theory that the current price of a stock in a corporation reflects all relevant informa- tion about the stock’s current and future earnings prospects.

Index fund: A mutual fund with the objec- tive to match the composite investment performance of a large group of stocks or bonds such as those represented by the Standard and Poor’s 500 index.

Portfolio: A list or collection of financial assets that an individual or company holds.

Stock market index: A collection of stocks chosen to represent a particular part of the market.

Stock mutual fund: A mutual fund that buys stocks in order to make profits for the investors.

Transaction costs: The costs associated with buying or selling a good, service, or finan- cial asset.

Volatile: Likely to change in a sudden or extreme way.

PAGE ONE Economics®

April 2016 Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org

“October. This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February.”

—Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson

 

 

So a diversified stock portfolio could include stock pur- chases across industries, company size, and even geo – graphy. Diversification reduces risk because it is unlikely that all the stocks in a portfolio will react the same way to market events. For example, if you invest all of your money in the stock of a single company that owns several beach resorts along the Gulf of Mexico, a severe hurricane could devastate your portfolio. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

One financial instrument designed to provide investors with diversification is a mutual fund. A stock mutual fund is an investment product that pools the money of many investors to purchase a variety of stocks to make a profit for the investors. Most investors simply don’t have the time or money to create and manage such a fund on their own, so mutual funds offer a cost-effective way to diversify. A variety of stock mutual funds are available based on different investment strategies (e.g., growth funds or value funds—see the boxed insert “Stock Fund Investment Strategies”) and management strategies (active or passive).

Investment Management Strategies: Active and Passive

The active management investment strategy relies on a staff of highly paid analysts to build a portfolio of stocks. The goal is to earn high returns that “beat” (outperform) the stock market.2 Such analysts use research, forecasts, and judgment to recommend whether to buy, hold, or

sell the given stocks. Analysts are always on the lookout for the best values or companies with strong growth prospects. Active investing relies on differentiating between a stock’s value and the market price. Warren Buffett—often called the most successful investor in the world—says, “price is what you pay; value is what you get.” A stock’s value is based on projected future earn- ings and growth prospects for the company. If a stock is determined to be undervalued—that is, believed to have a greater value than indicated by its market price— managers will buy it for their mutual fund. When the stock price rises above its value, they will sell it and earn capital gains for investors. Fund managers might also sell stocks in the portfolio that are predicted to under- perform the market. This buying and selling accrues transaction costs (which reduce net gains). The most successful mutual funds are those that consistently out- perform average stock market returns.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 2PAGE ONE Economics®

Stock Market Returns Over Time

Historically, average returns for stocks (as indicated by the S&P 500) have been higher than for other investment options, such as govern- ment bonds (e.g., 3-month Treasury bills [T-Bills] and 10-year Treasury bonds [T-Bonds]).

NOTE: Data are geometric averages.

SOURCE: Damodaran, Aswath. “Annual Returns on Stock, T.Bonds, and T.Bills: 1928–Current.” New York University Stern School of Business, January 5, 2016; http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/histretSP.html. FRED® (Federal Reserve Economic Data), Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Stock Fund Investment Strategies

Growth fundmanagers focus on investing in companies expected to have faster-than-average growth—and higher-than-average returns. These companies tend to be riskier than average.

Value fundmanagers focus on investing in companies with stock prices that suggest they are undervalued. These companies tend to be mature companies that pay dividends and are less volatile than companies selected for growth funds.

Years S&P 500 3-Month T-bills 10-Year T-bonds

Since 1928 1928-2015 9.50% 3.45% 4.96%

Last 50 years 1966-2015 9.61% 4.92% 6.71%

Last 10 years 2006-2015 7.25% 1.14% 4.71%

 

 

The passive management investment strategy is based on the efficient market hypothesis (EMH), which states that a stock’s current price reflects all relevant informa- tion about its current and future earnings. How is this possible? Stock prices change when information about the company (or the economy) changes. Imagine you hear the reporter on your favorite stock market news channel announce Chatport Technologies3 has just received a patent on a revolutionary new product. You consider buying Chatport stock because you predict the new product will reap huge profits for the company and its shareholders. Just as the reporter says the words “received a patent,” the graph on the screen shows the stock price has increased 10 percent. As it turns out, you were not the only investor who, upon hearing the news about Chatport, decided the stock was undervalued and is willing to pay a higher price for the company’s stock.

When news indicates a stock is undervalued, market par- ticipants respond by buying the stock, bidding its price up to its fair value. When new information indicates a stock is overvalued, investors quickly sell, putting down- ward pressure on the stock price, moving it back to its fair value. The EMH says that new information about a stock is “priced in” almost instantly—raising or lowering its price. For this reason, the EMH says the market price is the best reflection of a stock’s value based on current, available information. And, if prices reflect all available information, EMH suggests that the best strategy is to buy and hold a diversified portfolio and to minimize investment costs.

The passive strategy holds that the stock market is so efficient that active managers will not consistently beat the market because they will not be able to consistently pick undervalued stocks. And the extra research and transaction costs involved with actively managed mutual funds (which are passed on to investors) will offset gains. Although some actively managed mutual funds do out- perform the market, data consistently show that a major – ity of them fail to outperform market averages reported by various indexes (such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500, and Wilshire 5000).4

Application of EMH: Index Funds One type of mutual fund that follows a passive manage- ment strategy is an index fund. The goal of an index

fund is to “replicate the market,” by simply buying the stocks included in a stock market index, such as the S&P 500 index. For example, for a given index fund, if Chatport Tech nol ogies were to represent 1 percent of the value of the S&P 500 index, the index fund manager would invest 1 percent of the mutual fund’s assets in Chatport stock.5 The S&P 500 index includes 500 of the largest publicly held companies in the United States, which means that mutual funds that replicate the S&P 500 index hold a diversified blend of large company stocks. An advantage of index funds is generally lower investment costs: Rather than paying the research and transaction costs of active management, index fund man- agers simply buy and hold the stocks on a given index. Some research estimates that passive investment strate- gies save U.S. investors around $100 billion annually6— one of the reasons economists tend to favor index funds over picking individual stocks.7

Conclusion Investors who choose to invest in stocks through a mutual fund have a decision to make. Do they prefer an active or passive management strategy? Mutual funds that use an active management strategy rely on the research skills of analysts to differentiate between a stock’s value and its market price. Index funds, which use a passive man- agement strategy, rely on the efficiency of the stock

PAGE ONE Economics® Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 3

NOTE: The S&P 500 has increased 215 percent from its lowest closing value during the Great Recession (676.53 on March 9, 2009) to its most recent high (2130.82 on May 21, 2015).

SOURCE: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, S&P 500© [SP500]. Retrieved from FRED® (Federal Reserve Economic Data), Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, February 29, 2016; https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=3gAs.

 

 

market to price stocks at fair value. Both types of mutual funds provide investors with diversified portfolios of stocks. In the end, the choice is up to individual investors: Do they believe analysts can outperform average stock market returns by finding value others have missed or that the stock market is efficient and leaves no money on the table? n

Notes 1 Mankiw, N. Gregory. “What Stocks to Buy? Hey, Mom, Don’t Ask Me.” New York Times, May 18, 2013; http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/business/for-stock- picking-advice-dont-ask-an-economist.html?_r=0.

2 To “beat” the market means the portfolio earns a higher return than the market average or another appropriate measure of stock market performance. For exam- ple, a mutual fund focused on large U.S. companies will measure their success by their ability to outperform the S&P 500 index.

3 Chatport Technologies is a fictitious company.

4 Soe, Aye M. “SPIVA® U.S. Scorecard.” S&P Dow Jones Indices, McGraw Hill Financial, Year-End 2014; http://www.spindices.com/documents/spiva/spiva-us-year-end-2014.pdf.

5 Index fund managers use different methods to replicate the returns of a partic- ular market index. With the replication method, they buy all the stocks in a par- ticular index in the proportions they exist in that index (as described in the text). With the sampling method, they buy a representative sample of stocks in a par- ticular index that attempts to reflect that index.

6 Lusardi, Annamaria and Mitchell, Olivia S. “The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy: Theory and Evidence.” Journal of Economic Literature, 2014, 52(1), pp. 5-44; http://test.financialbuildingblocks.com/assets/The%20Economic%20Importance %20of%20Financial%20Literacy.pdf.

7 Chicago Booth, IGM Forum. “Diversification.” November 20, 2013; http://www.igmchicago.org/igm-economic-experts-panel/poll- results?SurveyID=SV_6QNgG8yRblilY0t.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 4PAGE ONE Economics®

Page One Economics® and Page One Economics®: Focus on Finance provide informative, accessible essays on current events in economics and personal finance as well as accompanying classroom editions and lesson plans. The essays and lesson plans are published January through May and September through December.

Please visit our website and archives http://research.stlouisfed.org/pageone-economics/ for more information and resources.

© 2016, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect official positions of the Federal Reserve System.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Page One Economics®: “Stock Market Strategies: Are You an Active or Passive Investor?”

After reading the article, answer the following questions:

1. What are the two ways people may make money by investing in stocks? Define each one.

2. How can diversification help reduce investment risk?

3. What is the difference between a stock’s price and its value?

4. Describe the efficient market hypothesis.

5. Why might passive managers say that the much lower transaction costs for their funds are a key advantage of index funds?

6. Describe how mutual fund companies pick the stocks in an index fund.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 5PAGE ONE Economics®

 

 

Teacher’s Guide

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Page One Economics®: “Stock Market Strategies: Are You an Active or Passive Investor?”

After reading the article, answer the following questions:

1. What are the two ways people may make money by investing in stocks? Define each one.

Investors may either receive dividends or earn capital gains. Dividends are shares of a company’s net profits paid to stockholders. Capital gains are the profit from the sale of a financial investment.

2. How can diversification help reduce investment risk?

Diversification can help reduce risk because money is invested in various financial instruments and not just one. It is unlikely that all the stocks in a portfolio will react the same way to market events. That is, with diversification, you don’t have all your eggs in one basket.

3. What is the difference between a stock’s price and its value?

A stock’s price is what investors pay to buy a stock. The value of the stock is based on projected future earnings and growth prospects for the company.

4. Describe the efficient market hypothesis.

The efficient market hypothesis (EMH) states that a stock’s current price reflects all relevant information about its current and future earnings.

5. Why might passive managers say that the much lower transaction costs for their funds are a key advantage of index funds?

Actively managed mutual funds attempt to beat the market by buying/selling stocks that will outperform/under- perform market averages. However, after research and transaction costs are deducted, a majority of actively managed funds fail to outperform the market. Index fund managers buy and hold the stocks on a given index. Thus, by simply replicating the index, they outperform a majority of actively managed funds.

6. Describe how mutual fund companies pick the stocks in an index fund.

First, they pick a stock index they would like to replicate, such as the S&P 500 or Wilshire 5000. Then they attempt to replicate the market by either (i) buying all the stocks in a particular index in the proportions they exist in that

index or (ii) building a representative sample of the stocks in that index.

PAGE ONE Economics® Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 6

 

 

For Further Discussion

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provides numerous economic education resources for teachers to use with their students. These include lesson plans, videos, online modules, interactive whiteboard lessons, and podcasts. These free resources are available at https://www.stlouisfed.org/education.

Here are some lessons and other classroom resources to help teach about diversification, stocks, and mutual funds:

Lesson: Diversification and Risk

Students are given a portfolio of investments, and they assess the relative risk associated with the products in their portfolios. They later determine which savings and investment instruments might be most suitable for clients of differ- ent ages and economic status.

https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/diversification-and-risk

Video: No-Frills Money Skills: Episode 3—Get Into Stocks (8:58) Through the story of a local ice-cream cart owner trying to expand her business, students learn about the process by which companies become publicly owned and traded by issuing stock. Students learn key terms, such as capital gains and dividends, and discover how the prices of stocks are affected by how successful a company is in its respective industry.

https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/no-frills-money-skills-video-series/episode-3-get-into-stocks

Video: No-Frills Money Skills: Episode 5—Mutual Benefit (9:16) Students learn what investment companies are, how mutual funds work, the difference between savings and invest- ments, and the importance of understanding risk versus reward.

https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/no-frills-money-skills-video-series/episode-5-mutual-benefit

To learn more about using EconLowdown Online Learning, visit https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/econ-lowdown-online-learning.

PAGE ONE Economics® Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 7

 

 

National Common Core State Standards Grades 6-12 Literacy in History/Social Studies and Technical Subjects

• Key Ideas and Details RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.

RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.

• Craft and Structure RH.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).

National Standards for Financial Literacy

Standard 5: Financial Investing

Financial investment is the purchase of financial assets to increase income or wealth in the future. Investors must choose among investments that have different risks and expected rates of return. Investments with higher expected rates of return tend to have greater risk. Diversification of investment among a number of choices can lower invest- ment risk.

• Benchmarks: Grade 12 3. Expenses of buying, selling, and holding financial assets decrease the rate of return from an investment.

7. Diversification by investing in different types of financial assets can lower investment risk.

8. Financial markets adjust to new financial news. Prices in those markets reflect what is known about those financial assets.

PAGE ONE Economics® Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | research.stlouisfed.org 8

 

 
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