FM445      Half Unit
Portfolio Management

This information is for the 2013/14 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Kathy Yuan OLD M3.05

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Accounting and Finance, MSc in Finance and Economics, MSc in Finance and Economics (Research), MSc in Financial Mathematics and MSc in Risk and Finance. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

This course aims to cover the main topics in equity portfolio management. Some of the topics covered in the course include: Portfolio optimization techniques; Multi-factor models and their applications; Trading strategies; International portfolio management and currency hedging; Trading costs; Portfolio performance measurement and attribution; Style analysis; Mutual funds; Hedge funds. The course is based on a number of empirical applications and case studies, so that students can gain a better understanding of implementation issues related to managing an equity portfolio.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

Regular classworks will be completed, handed in and marked as part of formative assessment for this course.

Indicative reading

A study pack will include lecture notes and case studies. All relevant articles will be made available during the course. Useful references are Modern portfolio theory and investment analysis, by E. J. Elton, M. J.Gruber, S. J. Brown, and W. N. Goetzmann, Wiley Press; Modern investment management, by Bob Litterman and the Quantitative Resource Group, GSAM, Wiley Press; Investments, by Z. Bodie, A. Kane, and A. Marcus, McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Assessment

Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Coursework (20%).

The 20% coursework comprises five homework assignments and one project.

Key facts

Department: Finance

Total students 2012/13: 77

Average class size 2012/13: 14

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Commercial awareness