Finance 555: Investment Management at DePaul University

Finance 555, Investment Management, is a core course within DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business finance program. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of managing investment portfolios. The course is designed to equip students with the analytical tools and practical knowledge necessary to make informed investment decisions in a dynamic financial landscape.

The curriculum typically covers a wide range of topics, starting with foundational concepts such as portfolio theory, risk and return analysis, and asset pricing models, including the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Students delve into the efficient market hypothesis and explore its implications for investment strategies. The course then progresses to examine various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives, analyzing their characteristics and valuation methods.

A significant portion of Finance 555 is dedicated to practical application. Students often engage in real-world case studies, simulations, and portfolio construction exercises. They learn how to develop investment objectives, conduct security analysis, allocate assets, and monitor portfolio performance. The course emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in investment management and the role of a fiduciary duty to clients.

DePaul’s Finance 555 also explores different investment styles and strategies, such as active versus passive management, value investing versus growth investing, and quantitative versus fundamental analysis. Students learn about the use of financial ratios, discounted cash flow analysis, and other techniques to evaluate individual securities and make investment recommendations.

The specific instructors and course content may vary, but generally, students can expect a rigorous and challenging learning environment. Strong quantitative skills and a solid understanding of financial principles are beneficial for success in this course. The course typically involves a combination of lectures, discussions, assignments, and examinations. Students are often expected to read and analyze research papers, financial reports, and market data.

Finance 555 prepares graduates for various roles in the investment management industry, including portfolio managers, financial analysts, investment advisors, and research analysts. The knowledge and skills gained in this course are also valuable for individuals managing their own investments or working in related fields, such as corporate finance and investment banking. By focusing on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, Finance 555 at DePaul aims to produce well-rounded and competent investment professionals.