Job profile: Investment Analysis

Similar job titles

Investment analyst Fund analyst Fund researcher

What
Investment analysis involves conducting thorough research relating to the performance of companies and wider industries/sectors and even countries. As an investment analyst, it would be your job to identify investment opportunities, which would then inform the decisions made by stockbrokers, traders and fund managers relating to client investment portfolios. Investment analysis is ongoing. It will be essential that you bring excellent research and analytical skills. You would usually specialise in one industry sector, for example pharmaceuticals, energy or telecommunications, or a particular geographic region, such as Western Europe or Asia. Being mainly a behind the scenes operational role, you would not usually be expected to deal direct with clients.

Similar careers
Economics Investment management Risk analysis Stockbroking Structuring Trading

Salary
Entry level positions start at approximately 22,000 per annum. With the right experience, qualifications and skills you could progress to management roles and earn in excess of 100,000 per annum. This does not include potential bonuses and additional benefits. Salaries will vary considerably based on location and employer.

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Tasks
Researching and analysing the investment implications of sector, national and international economics and foreign exchange markets Carrying out financial and investment analysis of individual businesses and collective funds Providing research and analysis into various asset classes, individual sectors and companies Building a broad knowledge of the range of investments available Constructing reports outlining your research results, fund asset values and recommendations Attending meetings with fund managers to maintain communication on investment fund developments Keeping up to date with new investment products and their possible contribution to different investment portfolios Establishing and maintaining contact with brokers research analysts Continual monitoring of research recommendations

Skills
Analytical, research and evaluation skills, including the ability to read company reports and accounts An inquisitive mind Eye for detail Report writing Business communication and presentation skills Confidence making decisions Genuine interest in global economies, business and financial markets Persuasive and credible Ability to work to deadlines and manage time effectively IT and numerical skills

Useful knowledge and experience

A new entrant will not always be required to have this knowledge. Employers usually provide training to acquire skills for: An understanding of investment management and how this links to designing and balancing investment portfolios What fund managers require to meet client expectations How a portfolio is constructed, valued, balanced and performance measured Knowledge of securities, derivatives and investment markets Risk analysis and how it relates to investment performance

Entry qualifications
The main route into investment analysis is through a formal graduate programme. Consequently, opportunities in investment analysis are mainly aimed at people that have achieved degree level qualifications. Employers will require entrants to be numerate, but will accept graduates from any subject discipline who typically have achieved a 2.1 degree. Subjects like economics, accountancy, business studies, maths or statistics are particularly relevant. Each employer specifies exact academic requirements and preferred subject.

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Professional and higher qualifications

Many employers support their investment analysts in gaining a professional qualification. Most relevant to entry level jobs are: CFA Society of the UK Investment Management Certificate (IMC) CISI Level 3 Certificate in Investments With several years experience, investment analysts may progress towards more advanced professional qualifications, such as: The CFA Institutes Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program (available through the CFA Society of the UK or by independent study from the CFA Institute) Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) from the Association of Certified International Investment Analysts (ACIIA) CISI Level 7 Masters in Wealth Management

UK and global opportunities

Opportunities exist predominantly with investment management companies, private banks and banks with an investment function. London, Manchester and Edinburgh are key locations for this role. Although most positions are based in the UK, due to the global nature of funds there can be widespread opportunities to travel overseas to research companies.

Find out more

Association of Certified International Investment Analysts (ACIIA) www.aciia.org CFA Institute www.cfainstitute.org CFA Society of the UK www.cfauk.org Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment www.cisi.org Directions www.directions.org.uk Investment Management Association www.investmentuk.org Scottish Investment Operations www.sio.org.uk www.financialworld.co.uk www.globalmoneymanagement.com www.investmentweek.co.uk

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