Private Own-Risk Investors — An Insight to the Hazards of Trading

Who Should Attend

• Anyone who wants to invest
• Anyone who wants to avoid the high charges and dismal performance of many investment funds
• Anyone who wants to sharpen trading strategies
• Anyone who is already working in the stock market but wants to perform better

Introduction

It is now becoming clear that even novice traders who look after their own pension portfolios can often beat the so-called experts such as investment trusts, unit trusts and even hedge funds. Professional traders face regulatory constraints that limit investment selection freedom, while portfolio manager incentives often create herd mentality — leaving opportunities for independent traders to capitalise on.

Description

The course guides participants through DIY investing fundamentals, from broker selection to tax-advantaged pension strategies. It emphasises establishing clear investment objectives, developing both short- and long-term approaches, identifying common investor pitfalls, and mastering risk management to optimise risk-reward relationships.

Agenda

• Tax breaks for the UK investor (dividend income, capital gains, CFDs, spread betting)
• Selecting a broker (charges, spreads, holding costs, hidden fees)
• Investment styles (long-term vs day trading)
• Setting financial plans (pension, inheritance, family purchases)
• Measuring risk (risk policies, leverage, Value at Risk)
• Company accounts and dividend forecasts
• Short selling strategies and indicators
• Volatility management and derivatives
• Portfolio management (risk-reward, diversification)
• Historical investor failures
• Regulatory impact on supply and demand
• Case study: Carillion
• Cognitive bias (rear-view mirror investing, fear, greed)