HADM 3230 - Introduction to Investments

Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only (no audit).

Prerequisite: HADM 2220, HADM 2250 or equivalent. Satisfies HADM or free electives for NSHA students.

G. Saar.

This course discusses a wide range of investments-related topics. We study basic frameworks that provide investors guidance on how to value securities and make investment decisions; topics include basic concepts of return, risk, and prices, asset allocations, the capital asset pricing model, and performance evaluation. Our approach emphasizes both conceptual foundations and practical implementation. The course includes an extensive module on strategic asset allocation that includes a discussion of alternative investments. We cover various topics in active portfolio management, and in particular study equity screening and multi-factor models. The course highlights trends in the investment management industry and introduces terminology and tools familiar to investment professionals.

Outcome 1: Course will deepen the students’ understanding of the core principles behind investment and Portfolio Management.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to create portfolios across asset classes, and learn how assets are priced through general equilibrium price theory.

Outcome 3: Students will gain an understanding of basic active portfolio management techniques.