INVESTMENTS (AFIN8018) INTRODUCTION Unit convenor and teaching staff • Convenor and lecturer ― Dr. Jiayi Zheng ― Consultation: 2pm-3pm Tuesday ― Jiayi.zheng@mq.edu.au - Email format: 2 Learning Outcomes Explore common investment vehicles. Illustrate the theory and empirical applications of modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models. Construct optimal portfolios applying the principles of modern portfolio theory. Analyze macroeconomic and industry situations as well as behavioural biases that impact on investment decisions. Explore, develop, and conduct analysis for research questions in Investment. 3 Assessment Tasks Name Weighting Hurdle Due 20% No R L ~Week 8 Individual Research Report 30% No Final Examination No 50% Refer to iLearn (~Week 10) University Examination Period 4 Assignment REFER TO UNIT GUIDE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. • • • Due: ~Week 8 Weighting: 20% AmplifyMe • Students are required to participate in one of the following simulation sessions. (10/20) - Students will be awarded 10 marks for participating AND submitting a report. • Students are required to submit an individual report. (10/20) Similarity will be checked via Turnitin. Plagiarism can result in your failing this Unit – be warned. A welcome session on the AmplyMe platform will be held on Thursday • 5 Welcome Event: AmplifyME University Pathways Ready to kickstart your finance career? AmplifyME University Pathways enables you to experience and practice real industry roles through a series of immersive simulations in Markets, Banking and Quant Finance. LEARN MORE ABOUT: • How Pathways boost your career prospects through AmplifyME’s fast-track process • How job-specific simulations helps to you to better prepare for interviews • How to access Pathway portal to start your journey • Take part in an introductory simulation experience where you operate as a Hedge Fund Trader REGISTER NOW AMPLIFYME EMPLOYER PARTNERS INCLUDE WHEN: Thursday 27th February 2025 TIME: 18:30-20:00 (AEDT) WHERE: Virtual Our pathways are offered across three core areas of finance: Markets, Banking and Quant MARKETS PATHWAY BANKING PATHWAY QUANT PATHWAY Engage in high-energy roles like Sales Trader, Market Maker and Hedge Fund. Navigate the trading floor through our immersive simulation. Work as a Junior Analyst in Mergers & Acquisitions, modelling financials and closing deals through exciting real-life scenarios. Automate trading strategies using Python, transforming data into profitable outcomes in quantitative finance. Each Pathway includes introduction sessions led by our expert team, including career guidance, CV tips and exclusive opportunities directly from our partners. “These Marie-Therese was a Maths student who benefitted from AmplifyME’s Markets focused simulations, getting noticed for her performance and potential, and ultimately landed a dream role at Morgan Stanley.” DON’T JUST LEARN FINANCE. EXPERIENCE IT. Register for the AmplifyME University Pathways Welcome Event today. REGISTER NOW Research Report REFER TO UNIT GUIDE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. • • • • • • Due: Refer iLearn (~Week 10) Weighting: 30% A case problem will be presented that requires analysis of a given data set. Submission for the case study is via the unit iLearn website using Turnitin. This is an individual assignment and similarity will be checked via Turnitin. Plagiarism can result in your failing this Unit – be warned. Please refer to iLearn for submission details. Submission must be made by the Due date. 6 Final Exam REFER TO UNIT GUIDE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. • • • • • • Due: University Examination Period Weighting: 50% The final exam covers all the materials and topics studied throughout the semester. Two-hour exam We will not specify the questions in advance. You must observe the exam rules and regulations set by the university. Further details on the format of the final exam will be provided on iLearn. A practise exam paper with answers will be provided. 7 SCHEDULE NOTE: ALWAYS REFER TO ILEARN FOR LATEST INFORMATION • You are required to attend your registered class only. Attendance and assessments can only be considered in your registered class. • Your Lecturer for your class is your first point of contact for all matters. • Your Lecturer may direct you to file a request on Ask MQ. Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Topic Introduction Investment vehicles I Investment vehicles II & Risk and Return Risk Preferences & Efficient Diversification Index Models & CAPM APT & Market efficiency Research Report (No Class) Behavioral Finance & Empirical evidence on security returns Fixed income securities Interest rate risk management Industry analysis Equity securities Review 8 Learning activities • • REQUIRED TEXT (BKM) ENSURE YOU HAVE A E-BOOK COPY! Bodie, Z., Kane, A. and Marcus, A.J. (2024), Investments 13th edition, McGrawHill • • OPTIONAL TEXT Elton, J. Edwin, Gruber,M.J., Brown, S.J. and Goetzman, W.N (2014), Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis • • • PREPARATION FOR LECTURE SESSION & TUTORIAL Readings (additional readings posted on iLearn for the week) Homework problems – you will be expected to come with your written solutions • • ONLINE SUPPORT iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au) 9 iLearn USE THE RESOURCES • Make sure you check iLearn regularly and use the resources. • There are a couple of forums where you can ask questions. Do not post answers to queries if the query relates to an assessed task. 10