Course Syllabus

International Investment and Portfolio Management 

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Semester & Location:

Fall 2020 - DIS Stockholm

Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Business, Economics, Finance

Prerequisite(s):

One course each in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and finance at university level

Faculty Member:

Greger Wahlstedt

Program Director:

Susanne Goul Hovmand - sgh@dis.dk

Time & Place:

Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:05 - 11:25 

 

Description of Course

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts in investment and portfolio management: risk-return trade-off, portfolio optimization and diversification. The objective of the course is to develop a thorough understanding of the key principals of portfolio management and asset pricing theory and to learn how to apply them in practice. We are going to put theory in hands-on practice when doing Portfolio Theory simulations in Excel. We will also compare the European markets with the US markets - are they just a copy or are there differences? Your teacher in this course has over 30 years of experience from working in the financial markets in Stockholm, London and Luxemburg.

Experiential learning

When we start the course, all of you will put together simulated portfolios of different, real-life securities. We will then follow their performance throughout the semester.  In this way, you will be trained to explain market's reaction to what is happening in the global economy.

In particular you will have an opportunity to develop your skills learning collaboratively as well as developing your ability to present complex information professionally.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to: 

  • calculate the price for bonds and equities
  • calculate the risks on various instruments and asset portfolios
  • evaluate the performance of an active portfolio management

Faculty

Greger Wahlstedt received an MBA in Finance from Manchester Business School and CEFA (Certified European Financial Analyst) from Stockholm School of Economics. Greger has been working for more than 30 years in the financial markets. He has a solid experience as head of large asset management units; 14 years as head of Handelsbanken's fixed income fund management and asset allocation, as well as heading the investment division at the swedish central bank (Riksbanken) in charge of the management of the gold and foreign exchange reserves. Originally, an economist, but he has also worked as quant analyst as well as senior sales in structured derivatives and Private Banking at Handelsbanken. He is an appreciated teacher in economics, bond markets and interest rate products, among other things. Since 2010 he also educates Investment advisors in finance, financial markets and portfolio theory. Member of Swedish House of Finance at the Stockholm School of Economics and The Swedish Society of Financial Analysts (SFF). With DIS since 2017.

Prerequisites

One course in microeconomics or macroeconomics, and finance at university level.

Readings

Investments, 11th edition, by Zvi Bodie, Alex Kane, and Alan J. Markus; McGraw-Hill.

Additional custom readings, articles and cases for each class will be available on the DIS Canvas system.

Field Studies

Visiting Nasdaq OMX Stockholm and a trading floor at one of the largest Swedish banks

Guest Lecturers

TBD

Approach to Teaching

We will approach the topic in a very open and exploratory way. Reflection and critical thinking is key part of the teaching.

Expectations of the Students

Readings and/or Youtube-videos should be read/looked at before each lecture and key points noted by the student. During most lectures various groups will be assigned to do a presentation on a topic. All students are expected to engage actively in discussions and analyses. It is the focus that students show the ability to apply the financial tools to the analysis as opposed to mere statements of points of views. 

Evaluation

Students should show ability to use financial tools to analyse topics, both in discussions and in their presentations in class. Students should also show openness and curiosity as to understand and reflect on Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation.

Grading

Assignment

Percent

Engaged participation

20%

Exam

30%

Final Paper

50%

Other info

A general policy that late papers will not be accepted. Use of laptops or phones in class is allowed if you do not disturb anyone.

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Schedule: Schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due