FINAN 6445 - Alternative Investments

Over the past several decades, many sophisticated institutional investors have incorporated alternative asset classes into their investment portfolios. This course will provide an overview of the alternative asset classes most commonly found in these portfolios: Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Real Assets, and many of the underlying sub-strategies in each. Students will receive an introduction into the return-enhancing and diversification benefits of Alternatives, their benefits in asset allocation, and how Alternatives are commonly used in portfolios by institutional investors. The course will also provide an introduction on emerging asset classes such as crypto currencies and insurance-linked securities. Content will include guest lectures from industry professionals, readings, case studies, team projects, and individual presentations.