This course provides an introduction to securities markets. It first provides a framework for portfolio choice, which then naturally shows how to evaluate the quality and performance of different securities, strategies, and fund managers. Specific topics covered include portfolio construction through mean-variance analysis, the risk-return trade-off in financial markets, performance evaluation of investment funds, behavioral finance, determinants of interest rates, and derivatives (options, futures, etc.).
Business 30000 and 33001 are recommended. Either 41000 or 41100 is required: strict. This is a quantitative course, meaning that students must be comfortable with statistics and must be familiar with a spreadsheet package such as Excel. Cannot enroll in BUSN 35000 if BUSN 20400 taken previously.
Bodie, Kane, and Marcus, Investments, is suggested as a good and relatively technical reference. Ang, Asset Management, is recommended for a better introduction to the actual economics underlying investing. Suggested readings from both are posted on Canvas, along with supplemental readings, cases, and articles.
Grades are based on homework assignments, a midterm exam, a final exam, and class participation. No pass/fail grades. Auditing is not allowed, and undergrads may not sign up.
- No auditors
- No pass/fail grades
Description and/or course criteria last updated: August 15 2025
