Course 01 · Beginner

Stock market foundations

Learn to think like a part-owner—not a ticker watcher.

6 lessons~55 minutesEducational only
Before you begin

This course explains general concepts. It does not recommend any security or investment strategy.

01

What a share represents

A share is a fractional ownership interest in a company. Returns may come from changes in market value and, for some companies, dividends—but neither is guaranteed.

Write this down

How does this company make money, and who pays it?

02

How markets and orders work

Exchanges bring buyers and sellers together. Market orders prioritize execution; limit orders prioritize price. Liquidity and spreads affect what you actually pay.

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What evidence would I need before acting on this idea?

03

Diversification and concentration

Diversification can reduce company-specific risk, but it cannot eliminate market risk. Understand what each holding contributes before adding more.

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What evidence would I need before acting on this idea?

04

Reading business quality

Start with revenue, operating margin, free cash flow, debt, and returns on capital. Look for durability and understand what could weaken it.

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What evidence would I need before acting on this idea?

05

Price is not value

A strong company can be a poor investment at an extreme price. Valuation compares expectations embedded in price with plausible future outcomes.

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What evidence would I need before acting on this idea?

06

Build an investment checklist

Write the thesis, evidence, valuation range, key risks, time horizon, and the facts that would prove you wrong before buying.

Write this down

What evidence would make me change my mind?