We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Jill Foote

Put your investment and portfolio management knowledge to the test through five weeks of hands-on investment experiences:

• Developing and managing your own simulated investment portfolio, resulting in a peer-graded report covering portfolio strategy, analysis, and performance

• Advising case study clients on a variety of investment topics, essentially acting as an investment advisor in a simulated environment recommending strategies for and changes in portfolios based on challenges and issues faced by your clients

Read more

Put your investment and portfolio management knowledge to the test through five weeks of hands-on investment experiences:

• Developing and managing your own simulated investment portfolio, resulting in a peer-graded report covering portfolio strategy, analysis, and performance

• Advising case study clients on a variety of investment topics, essentially acting as an investment advisor in a simulated environment recommending strategies for and changes in portfolios based on challenges and issues faced by your clients

• Using the sophisticated web-based analytical tools of Silicon Cloud Technologies LLC’s Portfolio Visualizer including portfolio mean variance optimization, historical and forecasted efficient frontiers, Fama-French factor models, and many more

Your capstone experiences are directly applicable to managing real world investment portfolios and the final report can be shared with family, friends, and potential or current employers.

By the end of the capstone project, you will have incorporated concepts from all four courses, including:

• Analyzing multiple asset classes

• Asset allocation and risk management

• Current market trends

• Behavioral finance

• Investment styles and strategies

• Financial market innovation

• Investment performance evaluation

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Developing Asset Allocation Strategies
In Module 1, Capstone learners will research, develop and implement an asset allocation strategy for a $1 million simulated policy portfolio using a provided list of ETF assets covering US and global equities, fixed income, real estate, and commodities.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners who seek hands-on experience in portfolio management and investment analysis
Taught by instructors Jill Foote, who is recognized for their expertise in investment management
Provides practical experience through realistic investment simulations and case studies
Develops skills in asset allocation, portfolio optimization, and risk management
Covers diverse topics in investment management, including behavioral finance, investment styles, and performance evaluation
Incorporates peer feedback and evaluation to enhance learning and engagement

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Capstone: building investment portfolios

According to learners, this capstone course provides a highly practical and challenging experience in portfolio management. Many found the use of Portfolio Visualizer and realistic case studies to be particularly valuable, offering hands-on application of investment concepts. The simulated portfolio project is considered a significant strength, culminating in a useful final report. However, some reviewers noted the steep learning curve for Portfolio Visualizer and variability in the quality of peer feedback. The course is best suited for those with prior investment knowledge, building effectively on prerequisite courses.
Significant time commitment needed.
"Be prepared to invest a good amount of time each week; the assignments are demanding."
"The course moves quickly and requires consistent effort to keep up with the projects."
"It's challenging, but that's what makes it a good capstone experience."
Requires prior investment fundamentals.
"This capstone really does require knowledge from the preceding courses; it's not for absolute beginners."
"Make sure you have a solid understanding of asset allocation and risk before taking this."
"Coming into this with a good foundation made the challenging pace manageable."
Powerful tool but requires learning curve.
"Portfolio Visualizer is a very powerful tool, but the interface takes some getting used to."
"I encountered a few technical issues with Portfolio Visualizer data feeds early on, but they seemed to resolve."
"The tool is great for optimization and analysis, essential for real-world portfolio management."
"While the tool is powerful, the instructions for using it could be clearer for beginners."
Useful case studies for concept application.
"The case studies were excellent! They felt like real client situations and helped solidify the concepts learned."
"Advising the case study clients was a fantastic way to practice making investment recommendations."
"I appreciated how the case studies incorporated different aspects like behavioral finance and investment styles."
Excellent practical application with projects.
"The simulated portfolio project and case studies provided invaluable hands-on experience applying investment concepts in a realistic setting."
"Using Portfolio Visualizer was challenging but incredibly useful for understanding portfolio analysis in practice."
"I felt I was actually building and managing a portfolio, which is exactly what I wanted from a capstone."
"This course truly put my knowledge to the test with practical applications every week."
Feedback quality varies greatly.
"Peer grading was a mixed bag; some reviews were insightful, others were clearly rushed or unhelpful."
"I wish there was more guidance or consistency expected in the peer feedback process."
"It's hard to improve when the feedback from peers isn't constructive or detailed."

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 Capstone: Build a Winning Investment Portfolio with these activities:
Review the book 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham
Gain valuable insights into the principles of value investing by reading one of the most influential books on the subject.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Intelligent Investor'
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes as you go
  • Reflect on the lessons learned and apply them to your own investment strategy
Discuss investment strategies with peers
Enhance your understanding of investment strategies by engaging in discussions with fellow learners.
Show steps
  • Join an online forum or discussion group dedicated to investing
  • Participate in discussions about different investment strategies
  • Share your own insights and experiences
Attend a workshop on investment analysis
Expand your knowledge of investment analysis by attending a workshop led by industry experts.
Browse courses on Investment Analysis
Show steps
  • Research upcoming workshops on investment analysis
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Create a mock investment portfolio
Test your understanding of portfolio management by creating a mock investment portfolio.
Browse courses on Investment Portfolio
Show steps
  • Research different asset classes and investment vehicles
  • Allocate your mock portfolio according to your investment strategy
  • Monitor the performance of your portfolio and make adjustments as needed
Mentor a new investor
Solidify your understanding of investing by guiding a new investor through their journey.
Show steps
  • Identify a friend, family member, or colleague who is new to investing
  • Offer to mentor them and provide guidance on their investment decisions
  • Share your knowledge and experience to help them make informed investment choices

Career center

Learners who complete Capstone: Build a Winning Investment Portfolio will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers oversee the day-to-day activities of investment funds, making decisions on investment strategies and managing client portfolios. This course provides hands-on portfolio management experience and covers the various challenges and issues faced by portfolio managers in the real world.
Investment Strategist
Investment Strategists develop and implement investment strategies for clients, managing their portfolios and making investment decisions. This course offers practical experience in portfolio management and covers various investment approaches, which are key for Investment Strategists.
Fund Manager
Fund Managers oversee the management of investment funds, making investment decisions and managing portfolios. This course offers practical experience in portfolio management and covers various investment strategies, which is highly relevant to Fund Managers.
Investment Advisor
Investment Advisors are responsible for providing personalized financial advice to clients on managing their investment portfolios. This course is highly relevant, as it covers fundamental concepts in building and managing investment portfolios, which directly aligns with the core responsibilities of an Investment Advisor.
Wealth Manager
Wealth Managers provide comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. This course offers valuable insights into investment strategies and portfolio management techniques, which are essential for managing and growing wealth.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners provide financial advice and planning services to individuals and families. This course can enhance their knowledge of investment strategies and portfolio management, which are essential for developing comprehensive financial plans for clients.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts utilize their financial modeling skills to forecast various economic factors. By taking this course, they may enhance their investment portfolio management knowledge, which is essential for their advisory responsibilities in fund management.
Quant Analyst
Quant Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and develop trading strategies. This course provides hands-on experience in portfolio optimization and quantitative investment techniques, which are crucial for success in this field.
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultants provide financial planning and advisory services to individuals, families, and businesses. This course can enhance their skills in portfolio management and investment strategies, which are essential for developing sound financial recommendations for their clients.
Financial Engineer
Financial Engineers develop and implement mathematical and statistical models for financial applications. This course can enhance their understanding of portfolio optimization and quantitative investment techniques, which are essential for building robust financial models.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts assess and manage financial risks for organizations. This course helps build a foundation in risk management and provides insights into the different types of risks associated with investment portfolios, which are essential for developing effective risk management strategies.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers play a key role in the financial markets, advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions. This course provides a strong foundation in investment analysis and portfolio management, which are crucial for understanding the financial implications of these transactions.
Actuary
Actuaries assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies and pension plans. This course may provide Actuaries with additional insights into investment strategies and risk management techniques, which are relevant to their profession.
Economist
Economists study economic data and trends to provide insights into economic conditions and make forecasts. This course may help Economists enhance their understanding of macroeconomic trends and their impact on investment portfolios.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who wish to specialize in financial data analysis or pursue roles in the investment industry.

Reading list

We've selected 39 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 Capstone: Build a Winning Investment Portfolio.
This classic book provides a time-tested approach to investing that focuses on value investing and long-term growth.
This comprehensive guide to security analysis provides a deep understanding of fundamental analysis and valuation techniques.
Provides insights into the mind of one of the world's most successful investors. Soros explains his investment philosophy and how he has made billions of dollars in the financial markets. This book valuable resource for investors who want to learn more about the art of investing.
Provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the global economy. Dalio explains how to identify and invest in trends that will shape the future. This book valuable resource for investors who want to learn more about the global economy and how to invest in it.
By Wesley R. Gray and Jack R. Vogel guide to quantitative value investing. It provides a systematic approach to identifying and investing in undervalued stocks.
Is another classic work, many investment professionals consider it the bible of value investing approaches. It emphasizes the importance of fundamental analysis, studying financial statements, and valuing companies for investment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of portfolio management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
By Andrew Ang guide to asset allocation. It provides a framework for constructing and managing diversified investment portfolios.
By Frank J. Fabozzi comprehensive guide to fixed income securities. It provides a detailed overview of different types of fixed income securities, their risks and returns, and how to invest in them.
This classic book by Benjamin Graham is considered one of the most important books on investing. It provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental analysis approaches, risk management, and investment management approaches. It can be good additional reading for this course.
Comprehensive guide to low-cost index fund investing. It is written for both new and experienced investors and provides valuable information on investment strategies, asset allocation, and retirement planning.
By William B. Brueggeman and Jeffrey D. Fisher comprehensive guide to real estate finance and investments. It provides a detailed overview of the different types of real estate investments, their risks and returns, and how to invest in them.
By William J. Bernstein guide to investing for the long term. It provides a framework for constructing and managing diversified investment portfolios and provides valuable insights into the psychology of investing.
Comprehensive guide to security analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from financial statement analysis to valuation techniques. This book is more advanced than "The Intelligent Investor", but it is still a valuable resource for investors who want to learn more about the fundamentals of investing.
Presents a simple and effective investment strategy that has been shown to beat the market over the long term. Greenblatt's strategy is based on the idea of buying undervalued companies that have a strong track record of profitability.
Save
Comprehensive examination of the two systems of thinking: System 1 and System 2. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional, while System 2 is slow, deliberate, and rational. This book helps investors understand how their thinking can affect their investment decisions.
By Roubini Nouriel, provides a broad overview of financial markets and institutions, featuring in-depth discussions of topics such as financial risk management, financial regulation, and the global financial system. It would especially be useful for those who want to learn more about the broader context in which investment decisions are made.
Provides insights into the habits and characteristics of millionaires. It explains how to build wealth through hard work, saving, and investing. This book valuable resource for investors who want to learn more about the financial habits of successful people.
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough foundation in investment analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management.
Provides a practical framework for investors who want to overcome their behavioral biases. Crosby explains how to identify and avoid common investment mistakes.
This advanced book covers advanced quantitative techniques used in investment analysis and portfolio management.
This practical guide explores the impact of behavioral biases on investment decisions and provides strategies to mitigate their effects.
This provocative book examines the role of extreme events in financial markets and emphasizes the importance of risk management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
This classic book presents the efficient market hypothesis and its implications for investment strategies.
Provides a quantitative approach to equity portfolio management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
This foundational book on investment theory explores the concepts of value investing and risk-return relationships.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of money, banking, and financial markets. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
This advanced handbook provides a comprehensive overview of econometric methods used in financial analysis.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser