CORPFIN 7019MELB - Advanced Funds Management (M)

This course provides an in-depth study of mutual funds, including the theory underpinning their construction techniques, and the asset classes employed in their management. The asset classes examined will primarily be equities and fixed income securities from the developed markets. However, non-core asset classes (e.g., commodities, real estate), equities and fixed income securities from developing markets, and alternative investments will also be examined. Course participants will revisit and enhance their knowledge of the theoretical foundations of asset pricing, market efficiency, and Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Students will then be exposed to the managed funds industry, and be required to apply their theoretical knowledge to understand the process of developing, managing, and evaluating these investment vehicles. Students will learn various strategies to evaluate a selection of Australian and US mutual funds, and understand the issues that impact fund performance in the context of achieving investment objectives.