Learn about the essentials of investing in shares.

This tutorial gives you a quick understanding of how the sharemarket works and what you will need to start trading. If you wish to view more short videos check out our “Get the basics” page.

If you prefer longer courses – the courses below are suitable for first-time investors, or as a refresher for active investors. We welcome your feedback.

Getting into the sharemarket

This course will help you understand how the sharemarket works and what you will need to start trading.

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2. Why and how to invest Learning how to invest is an important skill. This module looks at the reasons people invest in shares, the main investment areas and how to start investing. Learn the key features of an investment plan including how to analyse the risk you are comfortable with. Estimated time to complete: 10mins. Why and how to invest - text version (pdf 459.00KB)

3. Risks and benefits of shares Shares present benefits as well as risks. Learn about these important considerations as well as some insights into why share prices go up and down. Find out what dividends are and how franking credits work. Estimated time to complete: 10mins. Risks and benefits of shares - text version (pdf 567.73KB)

6. Trading simulation It's time to practise what you have learnt. Use this course to practice the steps in researching shares and placing orders to buy shares with your stockbroker. Estimated time to complete: 15mins.

7. Record keeping As an investor in the sharemarket you will need to follow some simple record keeping practices. This module steps you through this process. The module will also look at reading the financial press and describes the different types of shares that can be traded. Estimated time to complete: 15mins. Record keeping - text version (pdf 1200.13KB)

8. Market indices and market sectors Keeping track of your share portfolio is easier if you understand the language of the sharemarket. This module describes what the All Ordinaries is and how to follow the market using the sharemarket indices. Estimated time to complete: 15mins. Market indices and market sectors - text version (pdf 545.46KB)

9. Sharemarket investment strategies There are a number of different approaches to investing in the sharemarket. This module introduces the importance of understanding the sharemarket's context in the broader economy. The module also details the pros and cons of investing directly or via a managed fund. Estimated time to complete: 15mins. Sharemarket investment strategies - text version (pdf 643.60KB)

10. Fundamental analysis Annual reports, balance sheet analysis, dividend yield, PE ratio - learning to assess a company's financials is an important skill. This module introduces the concepts of fundamental analysis. Estimated time to complete: 15mins. Fundamental analysis - text version (pdf 636.28KB)