040076 KU Investments (MA) (2019W)

The objective of this course is to undertake a rigorous study of the theory and empirical evidence relevant to investment management. The course will introduce you to the characteristics of various financial securities and discuss the risks and rewards associated with them. Topics covered include optimal portfolio selection and asset allocation, the theory of asset pricing models, market efficiency, behavioral finance, the mutual fund and hedge fund industry, as well as techniques for evaluating investment management performance. Much of the course is devoted to common stocks, but other investments, especially fixed-income securities and derivatives, will be included. The course does not cover individual security selection and valuation.

The course is fairly quantitative. Students who master the course material will acquire the analytical tools and theoretical concepts necessary for making good investment decisions and understanding the paradigms by which financial securities are valued.