Hedge Funds, Pvt Eqty Alt Inv

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This is an introduction to the main alternative investments available to professional money managers at sovereign wealth funds, pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices, wealth managers, and investment banks. The course analyzes hedge funds, private equity, commodities, real property, and structured products for inclusion in a typical institutional portfolio. Focus is placed on understanding the benefits and risks of each alternative asset class from an investor’s perspective. In addition, a trading simulation enables students to experience a macro hedge fund environment where ‘long’ and ‘short’ strategies are implemented using equity, interest rate, commodity, currency, and bitcoin derivatives. The course concludes with group presentations explaining the value proposition of an allocation to a selected alternative investment strategy. This is appropriate for students interested in hedge funds, private equity, investment banking, asset management, wealth management, real estate, law, and government policy & regulation. A successful completion of the program results in a professional certificate from CAIA that can be incorporated in students’ resumes. NOTE: There are costs associated with taking this class. These are: CAIA Foundations of Alternative Investments certificate platform: $395 (reduced 56% from $895 for GU students) and case studies and simulations: approximately $60.