Securing Investment Returns in the Long Run from Coursera

In this course, you will learn about the famous dichotomy between active and passive investing, how to appropriately measure and analyze investment performance and what the future trends in the investment management industry are.

You will first learn about absolute and relative performance, risk-adjusted returns and how to decompose investment performance. The focus will then shift to the two main categories of investment vehicles, active and passive funds, and what they entail in terms of expected performance. Finally, you will explore the worlds of sustainable finance, neurofinance and fintech, three areas of research that will shape the future of the investment management industry.

You will also benefit from the insights of experts from UBS, our corporate partner, on the practical implementation of the various concepts we will develop in this course.

What's inside

Syllabus

General Introduction and Key Concepts

Welcome to the course and this introductory module! After reviewing some mistakes you will no longer make after following this course and some useful things to know before the course, we will dive into one of the main topics of this course: the active versus passive investment management debate.

Assessing Performance

Welcome to the second module of the course! Here, we will start by talking about absolute versus relative performance and mandates. The second topic of this module will be performance measurement using risk-adjusted performance ratios but also asset pricing models. Finally, we will see how to decompose and attribute performance between the different types of investment decisions undertaken by fund managers.

Investment Vehicles

Welcome to the third module of the course! In this module, we will explore the worlds of active and passive funds and try to address whether or not active fund management provides added value to a portfolio. But before doing so, we will see how to choose the best investment vehicles among both active and passive funds. The module ends with a discussion with our corporate partner on topics that often divides the world of finance between academia on one side and practitioners on the other.

Future Trends

Welcome to the fourth and last module of the course! This module is dedicated to future trends in investment management that are already starting to change how we think about and apply some of the ideas presented in the specialization. We will start with sustainable investing: defining it, examining its value proposition and see how it can be implemented in the context of a widely diversified portfolio. We will then take a quick look at what neurofinance is and how it can help us make better investment decisions. Finally, we will leave you with some insights as to how fintech (i.e. information technology solutions applied to finance) is likely to shape the future of the investment management industry.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners the fundamentals of investment management, including key concepts and active versus passive management debate

Provides practical insights from UBS experts on the implementation of investment concepts covered in the course

Taught by renowned professors from the University of Geneva with expertise in investment management

Covers future trends in the investment management industry, including sustainable investing, neurofinance, and fintech

Requires learners to have some prior knowledge of finance and investment concepts to fully benefit from the course

Duration or workload of the course is not specified, so learners may need to manage their time accordingly

Reviews summary

Investment returns in the long run

Learners say this course is excellent, great, and insightful for foundational knowledge on how to optimize and manage investments for greater returns. The course features engaging video lectures, brilliant instructors, and helpful examples. Graduates rave about the quality of the materials and the knowledge they gained.

Well-structured course with clear progression.

"Very well-structured course."

"Optimally constructed course."

"The content is very easy to follow and understand."

"Good quality in lectures, instructors, video production, and logical course progressios from courses 1 to 4"

Excellent course with high-quality content.

"This course is excellent."

"The quality in lectures, instructors, video production, and course progressios is great."

"The materials, topics, and instructors are excellent."

Valuable knowledge for investment optimization.

"The content is very easy to follow and understand."

"Lots of valuable information in an appealing and easy to process format."

"I enjoyed this course very much."

"I will definitely keep the black swan in mind."

Expert instructors with engaging teaching styles.

"Excellent lecturers; very interesting subject matter."

"Great MOOC, brilliant teachers, useful information."

"An excellent course taught by excellent professors."

"Dr. Michel Girardin is an excellent instructor."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Securing Investment Returns in the Long Run with these activities:

Gather Learning Materials

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Start by organizing your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams. Doing some work upfront will help you succeed once the course begins.

Browse courses on Investment Management

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course
Review and organize your syllabus and course schedule
Collect and organize any textbooks, readings, or other materials

Read 'Investment Patterns: Investment Allocation and Trading Strategies'

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This book will give you a strong foundation in the theory and practice of investment management. It will help you understand the different asset classes, investment strategies, and risk management techniques.

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight important passages
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter

Practice Investment Calculations

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Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course. This will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in the course.

Browse courses on Finance

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Find practice problems on websites or in textbooks
Solve the practice problems
Check your answers with the solutions provided

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create an Investment Glossary

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As you learn new terms and concepts, add them to your glossary. This will help you remember the information and easily reference it later.

Browse courses on Finance

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Start a new document or spreadsheet
Define each new term or concept you encounter
Include synonyms or related terms

Learn about Investment Management Software

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There are many software programs that can help you manage your investments. Take some time to learn about the different options and choose one that meets your needs.

Browse courses on Finance

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Research different investment management software programs
Read reviews and watch tutorials
Choose a program and sign up for a free trial

Form a Study Group

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Studying with peers can be a great way to reinforce your learning and get help with difficult concepts.

Browse courses on Finance

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Find other students who are taking the same course
Set up a regular meeting time
Discuss the course material and work on problems together

Create a Presentation on a Current Investment Topic

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Choose a current investment topic and create a presentation on it. This will help you synthesize your understanding of the topic and communicate it clearly to others.

Browse courses on Finance

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Choose a topic
Research the topic
Create an outline
Develop your presentation
Practice your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Securing Investment Returns in the Long Run will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers manage and oversee investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, and organizations. This course may be useful to a Portfolio Manager by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals, companies, and organizations. They analyze financial data to make recommendations about investments, mergers, acquisitions, and other financial matters. This course may be useful to a Financial Analyst by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions. This course may be useful to an Investment Banker by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts develop and implement mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. They use these models to make recommendations about investments, trading strategies, and risk management. This course may be useful to a Quantitative Analyst by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess financial risks for companies and organizations. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This course may be useful to a Risk Manager by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They develop and implement financial plans that meet their clients' financial goals. This course may be useful to a Financial Planner by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Investment Consultant

Investment Consultants provide financial advice to individuals and families. They help clients develop and implement investment plans that meet their financial goals. This course may be useful to an Investment Consultant by providing fundamental knowledge about investment performance measurement and analysis, as well as insights into the future trends in the investment management industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Consultant

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that companies and organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be useful to a Compliance Officer by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts study the economy, companies, and financial trends to make recommendations about buying, selling, or holding stocks, bonds, or other investments. This course may be useful to an Investment Analyst by providing fundamental knowledge about investment performance measurement and analysis, as well as insights into the future trends in the investment management industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Insurance Analyst

Insurance Analysts research and analyze insurance policies and products to help their clients make informed decisions about coverage. This course may be useful to an Insurance Analyst by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Analyst

Auditor

Auditors examine and evaluate financial records to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They work in a variety of industries, including accounting, finance, and government. This course may be useful to an Auditor by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risks and make financial decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and consulting. This course may be useful to an Actuary by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They also advise clients on tax laws and regulations. This course may be useful to a Tax Accountant by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial fraud and other financial crimes. They work in a variety of settings, including law enforcement, government, and private industry. This course may be useful to a Forensic Accountant by providing insights into investment performance measurement and analysis, different types of investment vehicles, including active and passive funds, and emerging trends in sustainable finance, neurofinance, and fintech.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful to a Data Analyst by providing fundamental knowledge about investment performance measurement and analysis, as well as insights into the future trends in the investment management industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful to a Statistician by providing fundamental knowledge about investment performance measurement and analysis, as well as insights into the future trends in the investment management industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician