Investment Management in an Evolving and Volatile World by HEC Paris and AXA Investment Managers from Coursera

Have you ever wanted to invest in financial markets, but were always afraid that you didn’t have the proper tools or knowledge to make informed decisions? Have you ever wondered how investment management companies operate and what fund managers do? AXA Investment Managers, in partnership with HEC Paris, will introduce you to the most important ideas and concepts in investment management, to help you better understand your financial future.

This course will enable you to:

• Define what type of investor you are, your investment objectives, and potential constraints.

• Identify the main investable assets and important players in financial markets.

• Understand basic portfolio management techniques.

• Apply these techniques in real case studies from the outset, through practical assessments.

Finally, we will provide a comprehensive overview of today's asset management industry: the product cycles, professionals, and regulations. For those who want to identify a talented fund manager to invest for you, we offer important criteria for selecting one. For those who are interested in learning more about this fascinating industry, we lay the foundation for your ongoing financial journey. Join us now to explore the world of investment management!

Course Specialists

The course has been developed in collaboration between HEC Paris, with Hugues Langlois managing the academic aspect, and AXA Investment Managers specialists, sharing their experiences and expertise and coordinated by Marion Le Morhedec. AXA Investment Managers participants include Maxime Alimi, Stephanie Condra, Nicholas Jeans, Elodie Laugel, Pierre-François de Mont-Serrat, Jean-Gabriel Pierre (AXA Group), Dorothée Sauloup, Irina Topa-Serry, Fiona Southall, Patrice Viot Coster, Susanna Warner, and Joachim Weitgasser.

Recommended Background

We expect most participants to have a basic level of knowledge in mathematics and economics. However this is not essential, and we believe that people from any background can succeed with commitment and a strong interest.

Be aware that in the case study, you will have to use Excel.

Course Format

This course will run for 4 weeks and consists of 4 modules, each with a series of lecture videos between 5 to 8 minutes long. Each module contains a set of practice and graded quiz questions. A complete portfolio management exercise covers concepts learned in all modules

Language

The course is in English, with Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles.

The Project

The preparation of this MOOC has been an exciting adventure for many professionals at AXA Investment Managers and HEC, both for the speakers and a wealth of contributors. Thank you to all of them.

We hope you enjoy this course as much as we enjoyed creating it!

What's inside

Syllabus

Defining Your Objectives and Universe

As the first module of the course, we will start with helping you to identify which kind of investor you are, and what are your investment objectives. Then, we will give you an overall view of investible assets and the financial market. In addition, we will introduce the concepts of risk and returns in portfolio management which will help you to make better investment decisions.

How to Build an Investment Solution

This is the second week of our study. We first learn how to optimize a portfolio allocation given your investment objectives. Then we will learn how to integrate your investment constraints to find a feasible investment solution. You will use asset pricing models to improve your portfolio performance by improving your understanding of financial asset returns. Finally, you will apply different hedging techniques to remove unwanted risk in our portfolios.

Exploring Specific Portfolio Management Techniques

We take in this module a closer look at investment strategies. We start by examining both quantitative active and qualitative strategies, and understanding their respective benefits. In the second lesson, we will learn how to apply these strategies in real life, including how to translate a strategies into transactions. We finish by examining extreme events in financial markets during which investment strategies were challenged.

The Asset Management Industry: Selecting or Becoming a Fund Manager

In this final module, we cover the details of the asset management industry. We start by understanding what it takes to make a proper decision when hiring a fund manager. We will learn how to evaluate his or her performance, and to select the right one depending on our investment objectives. Then, we cover the functioning of an asset management firm. We will learn the different career paths within an asset management firm. We will also cover the different stages of the life cycle of an investment product, including the role of each department within the firm and the impact of regulations on their design.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by well-known experts in academia and professionals in the field

Develops your understanding of investment objectives, asset classes, and portfolio management techniques

Taught by professionals and specialists from AXA Investment Managers

Teaches practical portfolio management techniques that students can immediately apply in real life

Teaches how to identify and select talented fund managers

Provides an overview of the asset management industry, investment products, and professionals

Reviews summary

Industry expertise investment management

Learners say this course combines industry expertise with academic insights to help students gain a foundational understanding of modern portfolio theory. The practical hands-on approach through MS Excel provides a valuable setting for real-world application. The course materials are well-paced with high-quality presentations and an engaging cast of professionals. Overall, students found this course to be rewarding and recommended for those interested in a basic mathematical understanding of investment management.

Engaging cast of professionals.

"The theoretical part is presented with well-constructed videoas, well-paced material and excellent quality of presentations (video, audio, on-screen labelling, etc.) as well as an interesting cast of professionals"

Hands-on exercises through MS Excel.

"The practical part is done mostly through hands-on manipulation of data via MS Excel, which is an excellent choice of learning vehicle and provides a sense of real-world application."

Course materials are well-paced with high-quality presentations.

Combines theory with real-world industry examples.

"It is a great idea to combine Academia and Industry professionals in one course."

"The practical part is done mostly through hands-on manipulation of data via MS Excel, which is an excellent choice of learning vehicle and provides a sense of real-world application."

"This training has some errors in some answers but are not significant at all."

Link between theory and practice is often lost.

"This is interesting from a pedagogic standpoint but can also be frustrating for those not having some specific background."

"Beware in particular of Excel formulas across different languages."

Academic participant provides formulas with poor explanation of parameters and objectives.

"The issue, is that the contribution of the academic participant is not that great, he provide formulas with poor explanation of the parameters and the overall objective or the different use of the formulas."

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 Investment Management in an Evolving and Volatile World by HEC Paris and AXA Investment Managers with these activities:

Attend an Investment Conference

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By attending an investment conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends.

Browse courses on Investment Management

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Research and identify relevant investment conferences.
Attend the conference and actively engage in discussions.
Follow up with any valuable connections made.

Review: The Intelligent Investor

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This book provides foundational knowledge on investment principles and strategies, which will enhance your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

View The Intelligent Investor, 3rd Ed.: The... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main investment principles and strategies discussed in the book.

Portfolio Simulation Exercise

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Through hands-on practice in a simulated environment, you will gain a deeper understanding of portfolio construction and risk management.

Browse courses on Investment Management

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Use a portfolio simulator to create and manage a virtual portfolio.
Experiment with different asset allocations and investment strategies.
Analyze the performance of your portfolio and make adjustments as needed.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Review: Security Analysis: Principles and Technique

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This book delves deeper into the technical aspects of security analysis, complementing the foundational knowledge gained from 'The Intelligent Investor'.

View Security Analysis, Seventh Edition: Principles... on Amazon

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Study the different methods of security analysis, such as fundamental and technical analysis.
Apply these methods to analyze real-world investment scenarios.

Learn about Ethical Investing

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Explore the growing field of ethical investing to understand how you can align your investments with your values.

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Research ethical investing principles and practices.
Identify companies that meet ethical criteria.
Consider the potential impact of ethical investing on your portfolio performance.

Develop a Personalized Investment Plan

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By creating a personalized investment plan, you will apply the concepts learned in the course to your own financial situation, solidifying your understanding.

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Define your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Research different investment options and asset classes.
Create a diversified portfolio that aligns with your goals.

Record a Video Explaining a Key Investment Concept

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By recording a video explaining a key investment concept, you will reinforce your understanding and potentially help others grasp the topic.

Browse courses on Investment Management

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Choose a key investment concept and research it thoroughly.
Prepare a script that clearly explains the concept.
Record and edit your video.

Contribute to an Open-Source Investment Platform

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By contributing to an open-source investment platform, you will gain hands-on experience in the field and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Browse courses on Investment Management

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Identify an open-source investment platform and explore its codebase.
Find an area where you can contribute your skills.
Submit your contributions and engage with the platform's community.

Career center

Learners who complete Investment Management in an Evolving and Volatile World by HEC Paris and AXA Investment Managers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They make decisions on what assets to buy, sell, and hold, with the goal of achieving specific investment objectives. This course provides portfolio managers with a deep understanding of portfolio management techniques, including asset allocation, risk management, and performance evaluation. It also covers the latest trends and developments in the investment management industry, enabling portfolio managers to stay at the forefront of their field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Asset Manager

Asset managers are responsible for managing the investments of individuals, institutions, and corporations. They provide a range of investment services, including portfolio management, financial planning, and investment advisory services. This course provides asset managers with a comprehensive foundation in investment management, including asset allocation, risk management, and performance evaluation. It also covers the latest trends and developments in the investment management industry, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve.

See salaries and explore the career path for Asset Manager

Hedge Fund Manager

Hedge fund managers manage investment funds that use advanced strategies to generate high returns for investors. They typically invest across a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities. This course provides hedge fund managers with a comprehensive understanding of investment management techniques, risk management, and financial markets. It also covers the legal and regulatory aspects of hedge fund management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate this complex industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hedge Fund Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate and provide recommendations on the value and risks of financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Using their expertise in investment management, they help individuals and institutions make informed decisions about their investments. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in investment management, enabling financial analysts to enhance their understanding of financial markets, asset classes, and portfolio management techniques. Moreover, it equips them with the tools to analyze investment opportunities and make informed recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Fund Manager

Investment fund managers oversee the investment activities of mutual funds, hedge funds, and other investment funds. They make decisions on what assets to buy, sell, and hold, with the goal of achieving specific investment objectives. This course provides investment fund managers with a deep understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and investment strategies. It also covers the legal and regulatory aspects of investment fund management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate this complex industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Fund Manager

Investment Advisor

Investment advisors provide financial advice and guidance to individuals and institutions. They help clients develop investment strategies, manage their portfolios, and make informed financial decisions. This course provides investment advisors with a deep understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and investment strategies. It also covers the legal and ethical responsibilities of investment advisors, ensuring that they are equipped to provide competent and ethical advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Advisor

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. They play a crucial role in the investment management industry, helping portfolio managers make informed investment decisions. This course provides quantitative analysts with a deep understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and quantitative analysis techniques. It equips them with the skills to develop and implement sophisticated investment models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment bankers advise corporations and governments on raising capital and making strategic financial decisions. They play a crucial role in the financial markets, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, underwriting new securities, and providing financial advice. This course provides investment bankers with a solid understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and valuation techniques. It helps them develop the analytical and decision-making skills necessary to succeed in this demanding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Private Equity Investor

Private equity investors invest in private companies, typically with the goal of improving their performance and generating a return on investment. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of businesses, providing capital and expertise to entrepreneurs. This course provides private equity investors with a deep understanding of investment management techniques, financial analysis, and valuation. It also covers the legal and regulatory aspects of private equity investing, enabling them to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Investor

Financial Planner

Financial planners help individuals and families develop and implement financial plans. They provide advice on a range of financial topics, including investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course provides financial planners with a comprehensive understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and investment strategies. It equips them with the skills to develop and implement tailored financial plans that help their clients achieve their financial goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Risk Manager

Risk managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks within organizations. They play a critical role in ensuring the financial stability and resilience of businesses. This course provides risk managers with a deep understanding of investment management principles, risk management techniques, and financial markets. It also covers the latest trends and developments in risk management, enabling them to stay at the forefront of this evolving field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Financial Consultant

Financial consultants provide financial advice and guidance to businesses and individuals. They work with clients to develop financial plans, manage their investments, and make informed financial decisions. This course provides financial consultants with a comprehensive understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and investment strategies. It equips them with the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to provide tailored financial advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Consultant

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides data analysts with a solid foundation in investment management principles, financial markets, and data analysis techniques. It equips them with the skills to extract valuable insights from financial data, enabling them to make informed recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess and manage financial risks. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course provides actuaries with a solid foundation in investment management principles, financial markets, and risk management. It helps them develop the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this demanding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Investment Writer

Investment writers create content about financial markets, investment strategies, and economic trends. They work for a variety of publications, including financial news websites, magazines, and newspapers. This course provides investment writers with a deep understanding of investment management principles, financial markets, and investment strategies. It equips them with the skills to write clear and concise content that informs and educates readers about the world of investment management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Writer