Interested in trading or investing but don’t know where to start? If you don’t know what information or methods are useful and you don’t know who to trust then this course is designed to be a starting point. It has broad scope and will touch on fundamentals, technical analysis, stocks, commodities, CFDs, futures, options, brokers and financial planners. You will learn about some of the traps for the inexperienced and how to avoid them. A range of educational resources will be discussed and your questions will form an important part of what is covered. No prior experience required. **Please note your email address will be shared with the Tutor**

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!

Course Description

If you’re curious about trading or investing but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information or unsure of where to begin, this course offers a clear, practical foundation. 

Getting Started in Financial Markets is designed to demystify the basics across a wide range of financial instruments – including stocks, commodities, futures, and more – while helping you understand how markets work, what tools and strategies are available, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. 

You’ll explore both fundamental and technical approaches, and gain insights into different trading styles, risk management techniques, and how to choose reliable sources of information.

With no prior experience required, this course creates a safe and engaging learning environment where your questions are encouraged. 

You’ll leave with a solid grounding in key market concepts, an understanding of how to manage risk, and a framework to begin developing your own trading or investing strategy. 

It’s not about quick wins or hype, it’s about building confidence and capability from the ground up.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion. 

• Introduction to financial markets and key instruments (stocks, commodities, forex, crypto, etc)
• Overview of investing vs trading and different styles (day trading, long-term investing, etc)
• Core principles: capital preservation, risk management, planning before action
• Introduction to technical and fundamental analysis
• Tools and strategies for identifying opportunities
• Importance of mindset, psychology, and avoiding scams
• Practical aspects: brokers, costs, tax, and legal structures
• Resources for continued learning and development.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the main types of financial markets and instruments
• Apply basic risk management techniques such as stop losses and position sizing
• Understand how to build and test a trading or investing plan
• Recognise the differences between trading styles and select one suited to personal goals
• Understand key concepts in both fundamental and technical analysis
• Acknowledge the importance of mindset and emotional control in trading success
• Evaluate and choose brokers and platforms that meet their needs
• Be aware of taxation and regulatory implications in market participation
• Find and assess educational resources to further develop market skills