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Bekhruzbek Ochilov, MCSI, PAGRC
In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to use beta to compare stock’s exposure to the systematic risk and use alpha to quantify the investment’s return over the market return.
ATTENTION: To take this course, it is required that you are familiar basic financial risk management concepts. You can gain them by taking the guided project Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets.
Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We're currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.
Read more
In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to use beta to compare stock’s exposure to the systematic risk and use alpha to quantify the investment’s return over the market return.
ATTENTION: To take this course, it is required that you are familiar basic financial risk management concepts. You can gain them by taking the guided project Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets.
Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We're currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.
Read more
In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to use beta to compare stock’s exposure to the systematic risk and use alpha to quantify the investment’s return over the market return.
ATTENTION: To take this course, it is required that you are familiar basic financial risk management concepts. You can gain them by taking the guided project Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets.
Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We're currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.
This course's content is not intended to be investment advice and does not constitute an offer to perform any operations in the regulated or unregulated financial market
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cu7tp8/seeking
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What's inside
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers the basics of stock risk and return analysis, which is a core skill in finance
Guided project format provides hands-on experience in applying concepts
Taught by instructors with industry experience, ensuring practical relevance
Requires familiarity with financial risk management concepts, suitable for learners with some background in finance
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Reviews summary
Practical alpha & beta calculation
According to students, this 1-hour project-based course offers a highly practical and hands-on approach to calculating investment alpha and beta. Learners frequently commend the instructor's clear explanations and the course's concise, focused content, making it ideal for busy professionals seeking a specific skill. However, a significant portion of reviews highlights that the course requires strong prior knowledge of basic financial risk management concepts, as it moves quickly and offers limited theoretical depth. It is primarily suited for North American learners.
Instructor explains complex topics effectively.
"The instructor's explanations were super clear, and working through the Google Sheet was very helpful."
"The content is to the point and the instructor clearly knows their stuff."
"The instructor is very clear and the project is hands-on."
Delivers core concepts efficiently within its short duration.
"It's a quick, project-based way to understand beta and alpha."
"A very concise and practical guide to calculating investment alpha. The 1-hour format is excellent for busy professionals."
"Perfect for a quick refresher or to pick up a specific skill... It's brief, but impactful."
Offers direct, hands-on use of financial concepts.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"The hands-on project was excellent for understanding alpha and beta calculations."
"Fantastic project! It solidifies the theoretical knowledge of alpha and beta with a real-world application in Google Sheets."
Focuses on 'how-to' rather than 'why' or broader context.
"It's not a deep dive into finance theory, but for practical application, it's top-notch."
"I wish there was more explanation on the 'why' behind some of the calculations, not just the 'how'."
"It's very specific and doesn't offer much broader context. I expected a bit more depth even for a 1-hour course."
Requires prior understanding of financial risk concepts.
"You really need to know basic finance concepts before taking this, otherwise it's too fast."
"As stated, familiarity with risk management is a must; this isn't for beginners."
"I found this course somewhat challenging due to the speed and assumed knowledge... Definitely not for beginners."
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 Seeking Investment Alpha with these
activities:
Review financial terms
Show steps
Refreshing your memory on financial terms will make it easier to fully understand the concepts in this course.
Show steps
-
Make a list of common financial terms you have forgotten
-
Look up the definitions of the terms
-
Try to use the terms in a sentence or two
Learn the Greek Alphabet
Show steps
The Greek alphabet is used extensively in finance and this course will use some Greek letters in its instruction.
Browse courses on
Greek Alphabet
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on the Greek alphabet
-
Memorize the names and sounds of the first 10 letters
-
Practice writing the Greek letters
Navigate Coursera and course forums
Show steps
Getting a lay of the land in this online course before getting started will reduce friction throughout the course.
Show steps
-
Explore the Coursera platform
-
Find the discussion boards and review any pinned posts
-
Review the syllabus and course schedule
-
Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
Show steps
Being able to compare stock returns using Google Sheets is a foundational skill for this course.
Browse courses on
Stock Market
Show steps
-
Access the Guided Project: Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
-
Input different stock tickers into the provided spreadsheet
-
Compare the return percentages of the different stocks entered
Compute betas using Google Sheets
Show steps
Being able to compute betas will enable you to more easily follow the course instructional videos.
Show steps
-
Review the Guided Project: Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
-
Follow the steps to compute the beta of a stock using the provided spreadsheet
-
Try computing the beta of two or three different stocks
Design a Stock Tracking Spreadsheet
Show steps
Creating a custom spreadsheet will reinforce your understanding of key concepts in this course.
Browse courses on
Stock Market
Show steps
-
Choose a spreadsheet software
-
Decide which data you want to track
-
Create formulas to calculate returns and other metrics
Review financial terms
Show steps
Refreshing your memory on financial terms will make it easier to fully understand the concepts in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Make a list of common financial terms you have forgotten
- Look up the definitions of the terms
- Try to use the terms in a sentence or two
Learn the Greek Alphabet
Show steps
The Greek alphabet is used extensively in finance and this course will use some Greek letters in its instruction.
Browse courses on
Greek Alphabet
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on the Greek alphabet
- Memorize the names and sounds of the first 10 letters
- Practice writing the Greek letters
Navigate Coursera and course forums
Show steps
Getting a lay of the land in this online course before getting started will reduce friction throughout the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore the Coursera platform
- Find the discussion boards and review any pinned posts
- Review the syllabus and course schedule
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
Show steps
Being able to compare stock returns using Google Sheets is a foundational skill for this course.
Browse courses on
Stock Market
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the Guided Project: Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
- Input different stock tickers into the provided spreadsheet
- Compare the return percentages of the different stocks entered
Compute betas using Google Sheets
Show steps
Being able to compute betas will enable you to more easily follow the course instructional videos.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the Guided Project: Compare Stock Returns with Google Sheets
- Follow the steps to compute the beta of a stock using the provided spreadsheet
- Try computing the beta of two or three different stocks
Design a Stock Tracking Spreadsheet
Show steps
Creating a custom spreadsheet will reinforce your understanding of key concepts in this course.
Browse courses on
Stock Market
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a spreadsheet software
- Decide which data you want to track
- Create formulas to calculate returns and other metrics
Career center
Learners who complete Seeking Investment Alpha will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts help organizations and individuals make sound financial decisions. As a Financial Analyst, you will examine financial data to advise clients on investments and financial planning. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in financial analysis and risk management. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to quantify investment returns and assess risk exposure.
Investment Manager
Investment Manager
Investment Managers oversee investment funds and make decisions on how to allocate assets. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in investment management. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and maximize returns.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers oversee portfolios of investments for clients. As a Portfolio Manager, you will make decisions on how to allocate assets based on risk tolerance, objectives, and financial goals. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in portfolio management. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and maximize returns.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks for organizations. As a Risk Manager, you will use data and analytics to evaluate risk exposure and develop mitigation strategies. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in risk management. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze risk, quantify it, and develop strategies to minimize its impact.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan and manage their finances. As a Financial Planner, you will provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in financial planning. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop financial plans.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts analyze quantitative data to help make financial decisions. As a Quantitative Analyst, you will use mathematical and statistical models to evaluate investments and develop trading strategies. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in quantitative analysis. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze data, build models, and make informed investment decisions.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Managers make investment decisions for hedge funds. As a Hedge Fund Manager, you will manage a portfolio of investments with the goal of generating high returns. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in hedge fund management. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop investment strategies.
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investors invest in private companies with the goal of generating high returns. As a Private Equity Investor, you will evaluate investment opportunities, negotiate deals, and manage portfolio companies. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in private equity investing. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop investment strategies.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with the goal of generating high returns. As a Venture Capitalist, you will evaluate investment opportunities, negotiate deals, and manage portfolio companies. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in venture capital investing. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop investment strategies.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments. As an Investment Banker, you will work on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and other financial deals. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in investment banking. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop financial strategies.
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultants provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. As a Financial Consultant, you will help clients with a variety of financial needs, such as investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in financial consulting. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze investments, manage risk, and develop financial plans.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the economy and economic trends. As an Economist, you will use economic models and data to analyze economic issues and make predictions about the economy. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, may be useful in developing a skillset in economics. It can help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze economic data and make informed investment decisions.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. As a Data Analyst, you will use statistical and data mining techniques to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, is outside of the data field. However, it may supplement your knowledge of data analysis techniques that can be applied to financial data.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. As a Software Engineer, you will use programming languages and software development tools to create and maintain software applications. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, is outside of the software engineering field. However, it may supplement your knowledge of financial concepts that can be applied to software development.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. As a Statistician, you will use statistical methods to design experiments, analyze data, and make inferences about the world. This course, Seeking Investment Alpha, is outside of the statistics field. However, it may supplement your knowledge of statistical concepts that can be applied to financial data.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cu7tp8/seeking
Reading list
We've selected 18 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Seeking Investment Alpha.
This classic text by Benjamin Graham outlines the principles of value investing, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and a long-term perspective. It must-read for any aspiring investor and provides valuable insights into how to identify undervalued stocks.
This collection of essays by Warren Buffett provides insights into his investment philosophy and approach. It valuable read for investors who want to learn from one of the greatest investors of all time.
This in-depth guide to security analysis provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating stocks, bonds, and other investment instruments. It valuable reference for investors who want to develop their analytical skills and make informed investment decisions.
This widely recognized text provides detailed guidance on investment valuation techniques. It covers various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of investment concepts and strategies, covering topics such as asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio optimization. It would be valuable as a reference for students who want to delve deeper into the theoretical foundations of investment management.
Provides an in-depth account of the financial crisis of 2008, focusing on the role played by the major banks and the government's response to the crisis. It offers a detailed analysis of the causes of the crisis and the lessons that can be learned from it.
Save
This widely read textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the investment management process. It popular choice for introductory courses in finance and investments.
Save
Offers practical strategies for exploiting equity market anomalies. It is written from a practitioner's perspective and provides clear and concise guidance.
This best-selling book explores the concepts of random walks in financial markets and challenges the notion of active portfolio management.
Save
This influential book offers a fascinating exploration of the psychology of decision-making and its implications for investors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of risk management and financial institutions. It covers the theories and practices of managing financial risks.
By George Soros provides a unique perspective on the financial markets, emphasizing the role of reflexivity and the importance of understanding market psychology. It valuable read for investors who want to gain a deeper understanding of how the markets work.
Delves into the quantitative side of equity investing, covering topics such as factor investing, portfolio optimization, and risk management. It provides a practical guide for investors who want to incorporate quantitative techniques into their investment process.
Tells the story of the financial crisis of 2008 from the perspective of a group of investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market. It provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the crisis and the role played by Wall Street and government regulators.
Save
Tells the story of the collapse of Long-Term Capital Management, a hedge fund that employed some of the brightest minds in the financial industry. It provides a cautionary tale about the risks of excessive leverage and the dangers of relying too heavily on mathematical models.
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of the fixed income market, covering topics such as bond valuation, credit analysis, and portfolio management. It valuable resource for investors who want to gain a deeper understanding of fixed income securities.
Save
This concise guide by legendary investor John Bogle outlines the principles of index fund investing. It valuable read for investors who want to build a diversified portfolio with low costs and minimal effort.
This entertaining memoir by Michael Lewis provides a glimpse into the world of Wall Street in the 1980s. It offers a fascinating account of the excesses and risks associated with the financial industry.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cu7tp8/seeking
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Effort
2 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Bekhruzbek Ochilov, MCSI, PAGRC
Language
English
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