Full course description
Fundamentals of Portfolio Management is the first online investment course in our Asset and Portfolio Management Certificate Program and was designed by professors Jules van Binsbergen and Christopher Geczy to help you evaluate investment strategies and performance.
Throughout the course, you'll gain insights into the asset management industry, understand the roles of various market players, and explore the critical principles of asset allocation and diversification. You'll delve into the intricacies of mutual funds, hedge funds, pension plans, and private equity, learning how to evaluate investment performance and manage financial risks effectively.
The course is structured into four modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of portfolio management. You'll start with the basics of asset management, learning about its purpose and the main players in the industry. As you progress, you'll explore the governance and structure of mutual funds, the regulatory environment, and the role of fiduciary duty. You'll also examine advanced topics such as third-party management, transnational regulation, and the impact of economic policy uncertainty on portfolio strategies.
Module 1: Asset Management Overview
In this module, you'll learn the fundamentals of asset management, including the primary purposes and key players in the industry. You'll explore the governance and structure of mutual funds, understand the roles of investment advisors, and examine the various types of asset management firms. By the end of this module, you'll have a solid understanding of the asset management landscape and the critical functions within it.
Module 2: Investment Analysis and the Modern Portfolio Theory
This module delves into the principles of investment analysis and Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). You'll learn how to assess asset models, understand the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), and explore multi-factor asset pricing models. The module will also cover the practical application of mean-variance optimization in constructing efficient portfolios. By the end of this module, you'll be equipped with analytical tools to evaluate investments and optimize portfolio performance.
Module 3: Equilibrium in the Asset Management Market
In this module, you'll examine the concept of equilibrium in the asset management market. You'll understand how market forces and investor behavior drive asset prices and allocation decisions. The module will cover topics such as market efficiency, the role of active vs. passive management, and the impact of fund size on performance. By the end of this module, you'll have a deeper understanding of the dynamics that shape the asset management industry.
Module 4: Regulation
The final module focuses on the regulatory environment governing asset management. You'll explore the key regulatory frameworks, such as the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, and Dodd-Frank, and their implications for asset managers. The module will also cover fiduciary duty, compliance requirements, and the impact of transnational regulation on global asset management. By the end of this module, you'll be well-versed in the regulatory landscape and its influence on investment strategies and practices.
By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed investment decisions and manage portfolios with confidence.