Cocktail party conversation has moved from vintage wines to stock market investments.

If terms like p/e ratios, issue price, buy and offer spreads and bull and bear markets leave you baffled, you should think about joining the increasing number of people taking introductory classes in stock market investing.

Upcoming classes offered by IFTI Ltd includes An Introduction to Investing in Stocks and Shares which it has been running successfully for the past two years. In September, this evening class begins in Buswells Hotel, Dublin and runs for six consecutive weeks. Students may take the classes on a Tuesday or Wednesday night with the first session starting on either September 21st or September 22nd.

In Cork and Galway a one-day course is on offer, starting at 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The class will be held on September 25th in the Metropole Hotel, Cork, or on October 2nd at the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway. Courses are taught by practising stockbrokers and cost £195 per person for the evening course and £150 for a one-day course. Both fees include all documentation costs. For more information call IFTI Ltd, (01) 661 6997