In order to get a holistic view of the management education, knowledge of the financial markets is necessary for the students. Financial knowledge is important because whether we know it or not, we are affected by the world of finance on a day-to-day basis. The impact of RBI’s change in interest rates affects the prices of commodities in the local markets. Knowledge and the methods by which an individual invests their surplus funds define the quality of their future life.
With the intention to know the various avenues available in the financial markets for students to save and invest their funds, this particular activity – The Capital Market was conducted by the Finance Club at ABS. Theoretically speaking, the capital markets comprise of borrowing and lending of money in the country for long-term purpose. For example, a five year investment in a Fixed Deposit made by an individual would count as an investment made in the capital market. The capital market also covers a gamut of other activities happening behind the knowledge of an average person in the country.
This activity on the capital market was thus organized for the students to know what are the different avenues in which the Capital Market functions and more specifically, the activities which are conducted in the capital markets. The activity was divided into the following two sessions:
Session 1: An educational short film highlighting the importance of investing.
Session 2: Students presentations on various themes of the capital markets.
Some of the themes discussed were concepts such as Mutual Funds, Equity Linked Saving Schemes, Exchange Traded Funds, SEBI and IRDA, Nifty and Bank Nifty indices, global indices such as Nasdaq, FTSE, DAX and other entities such as banks and NBFCs.
The activity spanned over three hour duration and was a highly interactive session with constant discussions between the students and the faculty coordinators. The students learnt a lot during their presentations and through the discussions. The short film really motivated the students to begin investing in mutual funds even while they are in college.