Students
AFIN818 – Investments
2014 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Jennifer Gippel
by appointment only
Jennifer Gippel
Veronica Chen
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACST603 or AFIN858 or admission to MCom or MIntBus or MEc or MActPrac prior to 2011
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of investment analysis and their practical application. With an international approach, topics include selecting asset types for specific objectives, bond and stock valuation, asset allocation, the risk-return tradeoff, portfolio management, behavioural biases in investment decisions, and fundamental versus technical analysis. The materials covered encompass practical techniques as well as intellectual and academic issues in investment management.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Explain macroeconomic and industry analysis, equity valuation and financial statement analysis.
- Analyse bond prices and yields.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Class test | 20% | Week 7 |
| Final examination | 50% | To be announced |
| Presentation | 15% | Weeks 5-11 |
| Case study/report | 15% | 31 October 2014 |
Class test
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
The mid-semester test will cover the topics studied during weeks 1 to 5 inclusive. The mid-semester test will be held in class in week 7. The weight of the mid-semester test is 20%.
Students who do not sit for the mid-semester test will be awarded a mark of 0 for the mid-semester test, except for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
Final examination
Due: To be announced
Weighting: 50%
The final exam will cover the topics studied throughout the semester. The final exam will be scheduled in the examination period. The weight of the final exam is 50%.
The examination period in Session 2, 2014 is from Monday 17 November to Friday 5 December.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Explain macroeconomic and industry analysis, equity valuation and financial statement analysis.
- Analyse bond prices and yields.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Presentation
Due: Weeks 5-11
Weighting: 15%
Students will work on a case study in groups of four or five and present their findings to the class. Details of the case study will be announced in class and posted on iLearn.
Each group will make a fifteen-minute presentation during weeks 5 to 11 as scheduled by the lecturer. No extensions will be granted. Students who do not deliver their class presentation on the scheduled date will be awarded a mark of 0 for the class presentation, except for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Explain macroeconomic and industry analysis, equity valuation and financial statement analysis.
- Analyse bond prices and yields.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Case study/report
Due: 31 October 2014
Weighting: 15%
Each group will prepare a written report that addresses the issues raised in the case study.
The written report is due on 31 October 2014 at 5:00 p.m. No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the written report prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the written report, except for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Delivery and Resources
Required technology
Non-programmable calculator
Tutorial and lecture times
Students are required to enrol in one three-hour class per week and attend the class in which they are enrolled. These classes are scheduled as follows:
Monday, 3:00-6:00 p.m. in E4B 316
Wednesday, 12:00-3:00 p.m. in E4B 316
Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 p.m. in E4B 316
Learning and teaching strategy
Face-to-face
Classes will typically consist of a two-hour lecture followed by a one-hour tutorial. Lectures are used to set the scene and show how the topic fits into the overall unit of study aims. Tutorials are essential for helping you clarify any misunderstandings and apply concepts to more difficult problems. Participation is strongly encouraged for you to check your understanding of concepts.
The textbook for the unit is Bodie, Z., Kane, A. and Marcus, A.J. (2014), Investments, 10th edition, McGraw-Hill (denoted BKM on the reading list). Textbook material will be supplemented by articles and handouts. Chapters from the textbook and specified articles should be read prior to attending the scheduled lecture on that topic. Homework problems will be assigned at the end of lectures and these should be completed before coming to class the following week. Important handouts can be downloaded from the unit's iLearn site.
Online
iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au) provides the main online learning support. It is essential that you log in at least twice per week to keep abreast of unit-wide announcements and use the resources to supplement your learning. Lecture slides are available by the Friday before each lecture for you to download from iLearn. Solutions to homework problems are made available online after the problems are discussed in class.
The multiple choice quizzes available with the textbook are a useful revision resource.
Changes since the last offering of this unit
Nil
Unit Schedule
Week |
Commencing |
Topic |
Readings |
|
1 |
4 August |
Introduction; Investment process |
BKM chapters 1, 2 and 3 |
|
2 |
11 August |
Risk and return |
BKM chapter 5 |
|
3 |
18 August |
Risk preferences and asset allocation |
BKM chapters 6 and 7 |
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4 |
25 August |
Index models |
BKM chapter 8 |
|
5 |
1 September |
Capital asset pricing model; Arbitrage pricing theory |
BKM chapters 9 and 10 |
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6 |
8 September |
Industry analysis |
BKM chapter 17 |
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7 |
15 September |
Mid-semester test |
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|
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Mid-semester break |
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8 |
6 October |
No class |
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9 |
13 October |
Financial statement analysis |
BKM chapter 19 |
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10 |
20 October |
Equity securities |
BKM chapter 18 |
|
11 |
27 October |
Fixed income securities |
BKM chapters 14 and 15 |
|
12 |
3 November |
Market efficiency; Behavioural finance |
BKM chapters 11 and 12 |
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13 |
10 November |
Review |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Supplementary Exams
Further information regarding supplementary exams, including dates, is available here
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Explain macroeconomic and industry analysis, equity valuation and financial statement analysis.
- Analyse bond prices and yields.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Assessment tasks
- Class test
- Final examination
- Case study/report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Explain macroeconomic and industry analysis, equity valuation and financial statement analysis.
- Analyse bond prices and yields.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Assessment tasks
- Final examination
- Presentation
- Case study/report
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory.
- Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of asset pricing models: the CAPM, APT and multi-factor models.
- Characterise the implications of the market efficiency evidence on active portfolio management.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Case study/report
Research and Practice
This unit uses research from external sources (references will be given in lectures and tutorials and on the unit's iLearn site).
This unit gives you practice in applying research findings in the class presentation and written report.