Overview

In this assignment, examine internal and external factors used for the analysis ofAmazon.com stock performance.

Outcomes

2. Identify the factors considered when deciding to become a publicly-traded business. 3. Point out internal and external factors that influence stock prices. 4. Identify a potential career path in business and the skills and competencies needed to succeed.

Instructions

1. Amazon.com has experienced considerable price fluctuations in the past few years.
2. Find a period of several months or even a year of Amazon.com when there have been major price fluctuations in the Amazon.com stockresearch what happened during that time period that might have contributed to the fluctuation. A place to begin is with the Wall Street Journal or on the business pages of a national newspaper, such as the New York Times or the Washington Post. Perhaps a "this day in history" web page would provide some information.
3. Respond to the following follow-up questions:
   • Do you see any similarities in the movement of the Amazon.com stocks of competitors during the same period? For example, did the stocks move up or down at about the same time? If so, do you think the Amazon.com stocks were affected by the same factors? Explain your thinking.
   • Based on your analysis, did internal or external factors have a greater impact onAmazon.com stock price? Which factors had a more long-lasting effect? Which factors had a shorter effect? These factors are detailed in this modules Exploration Topic in Content.
   • Why do you think it is so hard to predict changes in stock prices on a day-to-day basis?
4. Identify a position (by title) in a field that you may wish to pursue on your career journey. Describe two important skills or competencies needed to succeed in this position. How will you further develop these skills?