FIN08014 2022 Investments - Portfolio Analysis
This module introduces students to the theories of investing, from individual equities up to investment portfolios. Theories will be put into practice through the creation of a virtual portfolio throughout the module. The module will further explore concepts such as market efficiency, behavioural finance and ethical investing.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Analyse the differences between investment asset classes with respect to volatility and return
Examine the concepts underlying the pricing of financial assets
Critically assess financial theories and models
Evaluate the concept of market efficiency and assess sources of inefficiency
Construct an optimal portfolio using relevant portfolio theories
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Learners wil be presented with theoretical concepts and will also be required to undertake practical investment exercises both in class and on virtual trading environments.
Module Assessment Strategies
Learners will create and maintain a virtual portfolio throughout the semester. As new theories are encountered they should update their portfolio to reflect new learning and reflect on the rationale behind their investment decisions. An essay will examine the learner's understanding of theoretical elements as will the final examination
Repeat Assessments
Both repeat exam and CA elements will be available as appropriate.
Indicative Syllabus
Investment Basics
- Calculation of returns
- Comparison of Asset classes with respect to historic returns and volatility
- Sources of Information
Equity Investment
- Fundamental of share pricing and valuation
- Constructing a portfolio of equities
- Investment Styles - passive v active
- Trading Long / Short
Portfolios
- Markovitz Analysis
- CAPM
- Modern Portfolio theory
- Practical application (using SML, alpha & beta)
Market Efficiency
- Examination of the degrees of efficiency
- Sources of inefficiency
- Introduction to behavioural Finance
- Sustainable, Responsible and Ethical Investing
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Creation and justification of a portfolio of equity investments | Practical | Individual Project | 15 % | Week 3 | 2,5 |
2 | Extended Essay | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 20 % | Week 12 | 2,3,4 |
3 | Review of virtual portfolio in light of new concepts and theories encountered | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 15 % | Week 13 | 3,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 50 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Tiered Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Not Specified | Case studies, virtual investing, etc. Mainly classroom based, but at least two hours during semester should be allocated to a lab; one to demonstrate virtual trading environment and one to facilitate trouble shooting two weeks later | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Case studies, investment research, etc.. | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Lab work - trading and online research | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2019-05-31 Fundamentals of Investment
ISBN 113806162X ISBN-13 9781138061620
Post the Financial Crash, the role of regulation and the impact of regulation on all aspects of the financial industry has broadened and intensified. This book offers a comprehensive review of the operations of the industry post-financial crisis from a variety of perspectives. This new edition builds upon the authors' predecessor book, Fundamentals of Investment: An Irish Perspective. The core of the original text is retained particularly concerning fundamental concepts such as discounted cash flow valuation techniques. Changes in this new text are driven by two important factors. First, the long shadow of the Global Financial Crisis and the ensuing Great Recession continues to impact economies and financial markets. Second, the new text adopts a more international perspective with a focus on the UK and Ireland. The authors present the reader with a clear linkage between investment theory and concepts (the 'fundamentals') and the practical application of these concepts to the financial planning and advisory process. This practical perspective is driven by the decades-long fund management and stockbroking experience of the authors. Investment knowledge is a core competence required by large numbers of organisations and individuals in the financial services industry. This new edition will be an invaluable resource for financial advisers, financial planners and those engaged in advisory and/or support functions across the investment industry. Those taking investment modules in third-level educational institutes will find this book to be a useful complement to the more academically focused textbooks. l application of these concepts to the financial planning and advisory process. This practical perspective is driven by the decades-long fund management and stockbroking experience of the authors. Investment knowledge is a core competence required by large numbers of organisations and individuals in the financial services industry. This new edition will be an invaluable resource for financial advisers, financial planners and those engaged in advisory and/or support functions across the investment industry. Those taking investment modules in third-level educational institutes will find this book to be a useful complement to the more academically focused textbooks.
2014-01-21 Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis Wiley
ISBN 1118469941 ISBN-13 9781118469941
An excellent resource for investors, Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis, 9th Edition examines the characteristics and analysis of individual securities as well as the theory and practice of optimally combining securities into portfolios. A chapter on behavioral finance is included, aimed to explore the nature of individual decision making. A chapter on forecasting expected returns, a key input to portfolio management, is also included. In addition, investors will find material on value at risk and the use of simulation to enhance their understanding of the field.
2011-01-26 Fundamentals of Investments Irwin Professional Publishing
ISBN 0073530719 ISBN-13 9780073530710
Focuses on students as investment managers, giving them information to act on by placing theory and research in the proper context. This text offers consistent pedagogy, including a unified treatment of the four main types of financial investments: stocks, bonds, options, and futures.
Module Resources
http://www.investopedia.com
http://www.bloomberg.com
Online journals and business section of reputable newspapers
Moodle site and in class handouts
N/A