Finance 434: Investment Management at the University of Alberta
Finance 434, Investment Management, is a core course offered by the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta, typically taken by students specializing in finance or pursuing related degrees. It builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in introductory finance courses, delving deeper into the principles and practices of managing investments. The course aims to equip students with the analytical skills and practical understanding necessary for successful investment decision-making. The curriculum typically covers a broad range of topics central to investment management. These include: * **Portfolio Theory and Asset Allocation:** Students learn the fundamental principles of portfolio diversification, risk and return analysis, and modern portfolio theory (MPT). They explore how to construct optimal portfolios based on investor risk preferences and investment objectives, considering different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and real estate. * **Security Analysis:** The course delves into the techniques used to evaluate individual securities, both equities and fixed income. This includes fundamental analysis (examining a company’s financial statements, industry dynamics, and competitive position) and technical analysis (using price and volume data to identify patterns and predict future price movements). * **Equity Valuation:** Students learn various models for valuing stocks, such as dividend discount models, free cash flow models, and relative valuation techniques (using price-to-earnings ratios and other multiples). They apply these models to estimate the intrinsic value of companies and identify undervalued or overvalued securities. * **Fixed Income Securities:** The course examines the characteristics and valuation of bonds and other fixed-income instruments. Students learn about bond yields, duration, convexity, and credit risk, as well as strategies for managing bond portfolios. * **Derivatives:** An introduction to derivatives, such as options and futures, is typically included. Students learn about the uses of derivatives for hedging risk, speculating on price movements, and creating structured investment products. * **Market Efficiency:** The concept of market efficiency and its implications for investment strategies is discussed. Students explore the different forms of market efficiency (weak, semi-strong, and strong) and the evidence supporting or refuting each. * **Performance Measurement and Evaluation:** The course covers methods for evaluating the performance of investment portfolios, including risk-adjusted return measures like the Sharpe ratio and Treynor ratio. Students learn how to attribute performance to different factors and compare the performance of different investment managers. Assessments in Finance 434 typically involve a combination of exams, assignments, and possibly a group project. Exams test students’ understanding of the theoretical concepts and their ability to apply them to practical problems. Assignments might involve analyzing financial data, valuing securities, or constructing and evaluating investment portfolios. A group project could require students to manage a simulated investment portfolio or conduct in-depth research on a particular investment strategy. The course often incorporates real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts discussed. Students may use financial databases and software to analyze data and make investment decisions. Finance 434 provides a solid foundation for students seeking careers in investment management, financial analysis, portfolio management, or related fields. It’s a challenging but rewarding course that provides valuable skills and knowledge for anyone interested in the world of finance.