MFIN509

Investors are increasingly using alternative investments to seek diversification benefits and/or higher returns. This course describes the common types of alternative investments, their valuation, their unique risks and opportunities, their relation to traditional investments, and their role in portfolio construction and management. More in-depth coverage will focus on private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Private equity, including venture capital, and hedge funds are examined from the perspectives of their structure, investment strategies, performance measures, and exit opportunities. Real estate, both direct investment and investment through publicly traded securities (such as real estate investment trusts), is examined from an institutional investor’s perspective to assess how it affects the risk and return of a multi-asset portfolio.