The Union of Investment Companies (UIC), through its training arm - the Investment Studies Center (ISC), organized a program on "ETFs Creation for Professionals", which was presented by the lecturer/ Alaa Ghanem - CEO of Advisory and Business Company on 13th & 14th November 2024, at UIC premises.
UIC stated that the program, which kept pace with the latest developments in global investment markets, was carefully designed to contribute to the development of cadres working in the fields of finance and investment, and provide them with advanced tools that suit the requirements of the current market. The program succeeded in enabling participants to enrich their skills and develop their capabilities to create and manage index funds, which qualifies them to keep pace with developments in this accelerating field.
The program targeted a group of professional categories that play vital roles in the investment sector, such as investment analysts, consultants, and specialists in developing financial products.
Participants from various fields acquired advanced skills in preparing index funds, which helped them develop innovative investment strategies and provide valuable advisory insights to their clients.
Participants learned about exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a leading investment tool, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the differences between index funds and mutual funds, which helped them realize the reasons for choosing index funds as a distinct investment option in terms of costs and liquidity. Participants were also able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the details of the unit sales process, which provided them with the necessary knowledge to effectively manage buying and selling operations to support market stability.
The program also provided an opportunity to learn about the index funds market in Kuwait, as the program reviewed the challenges and opportunities available in this field, and participants learned about different types of index funds that provide comprehensive investment diversification, whether in stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or real estate, which gave them a broad vision on how to choose the most appropriate for their strategies and the directions of their investment institutions.
Regarding index fund management, participants learned about various management strategies, including active and passive management. The program also helped participants open new horizons for them to understand counter-trend funds, which are areas that require advanced understanding and provide opportunities to achieve growing returns that meet the aspirations of their institutions.
Participants also learned about the advantages of index funds, including effective risk management, expanding market access, and achieving flexible investments with low capital, making them a powerful tool for attracting investors and enhancing the role of specialists in directing these investments in a more professional manner.
Despite the many benefits, participants also learned about the potential challenges they may face in managing index funds, such as fees, administrative costs, and liquidity, and were able to discuss innovative solutions to overcome these challenges to achieve sustainable performance that enhances the value of funds in the market.
The program concluded with providing advanced guidance on how to evaluate index funds, reviewing their essential roles within the overall portfolio strategy, and highlighting the importance of fundamental analysis and risk assessment, which contributed to enhancing participants’ analytical skills and supporting their ability to make informed investment decisions.
This program is part of the Investment Studies Center (ISC) training plan for this year, which the Union seeks to develop and renew annually, and enhance with specialized training programs that contribute to raising the level of professionalism of those working in the investment sector. The Union is keen to ensure that each training program provides a unique and exceptional experience, ensuring that participants emerge with new skills and capabilities that help them achieve success and support the continuous and sustainable development of their institutions in a way that supports the achievement of growth and prosperity for the national economy.