Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/investments-fundamentals
If you’re interested in understanding the core principles of investment analysis and portfolio management, Coursera’s ‘Investments I: Fundamentals of Performance Evaluation’ is an outstanding course to consider. Designed to equip learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this course provides an in-depth exploration of risk-return tradeoffs, security valuation, and portfolio optimization.
The course is structured into four detailed modules. The first module introduces fundamental investment concepts, including historical stock return patterns and portfolio formation using real-world examples and Excel exercises. This foundational knowledge is vital for anyone looking to build a solid base in investment strategies.
In the second module, the course delves into the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), explaining its financial intuition and how it is used to evaluate securities based on their risks and expected returns. Learners will gain skills in interpreting regression outputs and understanding beta and alpha metrics.
The third module expands on asset-pricing models, including testing the effectiveness of CAPM, exploring multifactor models like the Fama-French 3-Factor Model, and discussing market efficiency. This section is particularly valuable for those interested in the empirical testing and real-world application of financial theories.
Finally, the course covers firm valuation techniques, focusing on market multiples and discounted cash flow methods. Practical exercises, such as valuing Google during its IPO, help cement these valuation concepts.
Overall, I highly recommend this course for finance students, investment professionals, or anyone keen on understanding how securities are evaluated and manipulated in the real world. The blend of theory, empirical testing, and practical exercises makes it an excellent resource for acquiring a comprehensive understanding of investment performance evaluation. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course offers actionable insights to boost your investment decision-making skills.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/investments-fundamentals