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ESCO occupation

investment analyst

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Investment analysts undertake research to make informed recommendations to fund managers. They research investments globally but depending on the nature and field of their employer they can specialise in fields like retail, infrastructure, energy, banking and financial services. They focus on financial and economical information such as the political and economic developments that can impact financial markets, the financial performance of the target companies and use the interpretation of data from different sources to understand how it affects investment decision making.

2413.1.2 ISCO 2413 ESCO source
Competences
43
Groups
4
Essential
21
Optional
22

Competences and skills

43 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
actuarial science

The rules of applying mathematical and statistical techniques to determine potential or existing risks in various industries, such as finance or insurance.

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fundamental analysis

The techniques for measuring the intrinsic value of a financial security through the assessment its economic and financial factors. It combines together the analysis of macroeconomic trends and of financial statements of the companies.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
asset management

The process of increasing total wealth over time through investments that have potential to grow in value.

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data visualisation software

A computer tool or application that creates a graphical and visual representation of data, allowing a better understanding and interpretation of complex data through visual elements such as maps, charts, infographics or graphs.

digital
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economics

Economic principles and practices, financial and commodity markets, banking and the analysis of financial data.

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empirical analysis

The evidence-based method that is used to analyse and interpret information with the aim of drawing conclusions about a specific issue.

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financial markets

The financial infrastructure which permits trading securities offered by companies and individuals govern by regulatory financial frameworks.

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financial products

The different types of instruments that apply to the management of cash flow that are available on the market, such as shares, bonds, options or funds.

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funding methods

The financial possibilities for funding projects such as the traditional ones, namely loans, venture capital, public or private grants up to alternative methods such as crowdfunding.

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international trade

The economic practise and study field that address the exchange of goods and services across geographic borders. The general theories and schools of thought around the implications of international trade in terms of exports, imports, competitivity, GDP, and role of multinational companies.

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modern portfolio theory

The theory of finance that attempts to either maximise the profit of an investment equivalent to the risk taken or to reduce the risk for the expected profit of an investment by judiciously choosing the right combination of financial products.

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quantitative analysis

The technique of employing statistical and mathematical modelling and measurement to represent a specific reality through numbers.

digital
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securities

The financial instruments traded in financial markets representing both the right of property over the owner and at the same time, the obligation of payment over the issuer. The aim of securities which is raising capital and hedging risk in financial markets.

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stock market

The market in which shares of publicly held companies are issued and traded.

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Essential skills and competences 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

7 competences
analyse economic trends

Analyse developments in national or international trade, business relations, banking, and developments in public finance and how these factors interact with one another in a given economic context.

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analyse financial performance of a company

Analyse the performance of the company in financial matters in order to identify improvement actions that could increase profit, based on accounts, records, financial statements and external information of the market.

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analyse market financial trends

Monitor and forecast the tendencies of a financial market to move in a particular direction over time.

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monitor stock market

Observe and analyse the stock market and its trends on a daily basis to gather up-to-date information in order to develop investment strategies.

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obtain financial information

Gather information on securities, market conditions, governmental regulations and the financial situation, goals and needs of clients or companies.

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provide support in financial calculation

Provide colleagues, clients or other parties with financial support for complex files or calculations.

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review investment portfolios

Meet with clients to review or update an investment portfolio and provide financial advice on investments.

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Optional knowledge 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
corporate social responsibility

The handling or managing of business processes in a responsible and ethical manner considering the economic responsibility towards shareholders as equally important as the responsibility towards environmental and social stakeholders.

green
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green bonds

The financial instruments traded in financial markets that aim at raising capitals for projects with specific environmental benefits.

green
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impact investing

Investment strategy aimed at investing in organisations or initiatives with a social or environmental outlook, which in turn generates financial gains but also a positive impact in society.

green
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investment banking

The branch of banking that provides services of capital raising and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

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social bonds

A set of financial instruments that aim at raising capital for projects with positive social outcomes and that provide return on the investment upon the achievement of specific social policy goals. Social bonds are generally used to finance projects in areas such as affordable infrastructures, access to essential services, employment programmes, food security and sustainable food systems.

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sustainable finance

The process of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations when making business or investment decisions, leading to increased longer-term investments into sustainable economic activities and projects.

green
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trading software

The finance and trading integrated software solutions.

digital
ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
banking activities

The broad and continuously growing banking activities and financial products managed by banks ranging from personal banking, corporate banking, investment banking, private banking, up to insurance, foreign exchange trading, commodity trading, trading in equities, futures and options trading.

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business valuation techniques

The processes to valuate the worth of the assets of the company and the value of the business following techniques such as asset-based approach, business comparison, and past earnings.

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credit control processes

The various techniques and procedures applied to ensure that credit is given to the suitable customers and that they pay on time.  

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financial forecasting

The tool used in performing fiscal financial management to identify revenue trends and estimated financial conditions.

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financial statements

The set of financial records disclosing the financial position of a company at the end of a set period or of the accounting year. The financial statements consisting of five parts which are the statement of financial position, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity (SOCE), the statement of cash flows and notes.

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international financial reporting standards

The set of accounting standards and rules aimed at companies listed in the stock exchange which are required to publish and disclose their financial statements.

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Monte Carlo simulation

A mathematical technique used to predict, estimate, and analyse a range of future possible outcomes for an uncertain event. The process is performed through a simulation to estimate a range of values.

digital
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Optional skills and competences 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

8 competences
analyse financial risk

Identify and analyse risks that could impact an organisation or individual financially, such as credit and market risks, and propose solutions to cover against those risks.

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assess financial viability

Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.

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budget for financial needs

Observe the status and availability of funds for the smooth running of projects or operations in order to foresee and estimate the quantity of future financial resources.

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communicate with banking professionals

Communicate with professionals in the field of banking in order to obtain information on a specific financial case or project for personal or business purposes, or on behalf of a client.

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create a financial plan

Develop a financial plan according to financial and client regulations, including an investor profile, financial advice, and negotiation and transaction plans.

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examine credit ratings

Investigate and look for information on the creditworthiness of companies and corporations, provided by credit rating agencies in order to determine the likelihood of default by the debtor.

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interpret financial statements

Read, understand, and interpret the key lines and indicators in financial statements. Extract the most important information from financial statements depending on the needs and integrate this information in the development of the department's plans.

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perform stock valuation

Analyse, calculate and appraise the value of the stock of a company. Use mathematic and logarithm in order to determine the value in consideration of different variables.

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