405N The New Zealand Stock Market

This subject focuses on the structure, functions and operations of the securities market in New Zealand (the New Zealand Exchange, or NZX). It includes discussion on the roles of the NZX and its participants, as well as their interrelationship with global financial markets and the subsequent impact on NZX investors. The subject also discusses elementary portfolio construction, processes used in evaluating securities, and the variables that impact on their pricing. Individuals will apply their knowledge via New Zealand-based case studies and scenarios so that they may gain a ‘real-world’ perspective.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

For Study Period SP1 2023 onwards, please refer to the subject outline here.

  • Learning outcomes
    • On successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

      1. Outline the structure, organisation and roles of the NZX and its participants.
      2. Outline the way companies use the stock market to raise funds on the NZX.
      3. Distinguish between each of the equity and debt securities traded on the retail debt market and on the NZX.
      4. Explain how the Clearing House operates and the processes involved in carrying out transactions via the Clearing House.
      5. Outline the most common corporate actions and the information required by NZX for these corporate actions.
      6. Explain pricing and valuation methods for simple equity and debt market securities.
      7. Assess the effect of imputation and capital gains tax on investment in the share market.
      8. Distinguish between the macroeconomic variables that affect the price of debt and equity securities and outline their impact on securities valuations.
      9. Discuss elementary portfolio construction, securities analysis and accepted investment practices.
      10. Discuss how the global nature of equity investment and the independence of stock markets provide both benefits and difficulties for investors.
  • Subject content
    • Topic Title
      Topic 1 The New Zealand Stockmarket – an overview
      Topic 2 NZX market participants and share registries
      Topic 3 Raising funds on the stockmarket
      Topic 4 Stockmarket products
      Topic 5 Settlement and registration of stockmarket transactions
      Topic 6 Corporate actions
      Topic 7 Stockmarket investing
      Topic 8 Factors affecting securities prices

  • Duration
    • The duration of this subject is one study period (12 weeks).

  • Assessment
  • Prerequisites
    • There are no prerequisites for this subject. However, individuals should review the ‘Assumed Knowledge’ tab to understand the prior knowledge Kaplan Professional advises they should hold before enrolling in this subject.

  • Assumed knowledge
    • Not applicable.

  • Course transition subject equivalence
    • Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan Professional course and have completed the following subjects:

      • there are no equivalences for this subject.

  • Reading list
    • There is no prescribed text for this subject. Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan Professional’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.