Course 2016-2017 a.y.

Classes: 31 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: BRUNELLA BRUNO

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the alternative investment techniques available to private and institutional investors in a globalized market. In particular, the course aims to add a new dimension to the construction and management of traditional investment portfolios by focusing on alternative asset classes and by presenting them in detail within an academic and practical framework. The emphasis is on three major classes of alternative investments: Hedge Funds, Real Estate, and Art. Asset classes are examined in terms of the following aspects: key characteristics, investment strategies, and portfolio consideration (risk/return profile and their contribution to portfolio diversification). The aforementioned objectives are addressed in a series of formal lectures that are supplemented by live deals in the form of case studies and guest speakers from the industry.

Students can choose among three different options:

• A final general exam.
• Two partial exams.
• A combination of two individual partial exams and group assignments.
  

General and partial exams are both written. They both involve a set of multiple choice questions. Group assignments: students are required to prepare and deliver a written document as well as to give an oral presentation.

A selection of papers, slides and required readings are available on e-learning platform.

Students attending this course should be familiar with the concepts learnt in the following courses: Financial markets and institutions, Financial mathematics, Statistics.