Applied Investment Management

Recent News: Investment Philosophy and Portfolio Objective Presented to Class

Student Portfolio Description

Finance 423/523 is a mixed class of graduate and undergraduate students managing an endowment of over $700,000. Led by Don Seeley and Dr. Sharon Garrison, the students research, analyze and make decisions involving asset allocation, sector allocation and security selection. Decisions are made based on a democratic vote, with only minimal input from the instructors. This truly is a student-managed portfolio.

Results

The student-managed portfolio has outperformed its benchmark (70% S&P 500, 30% Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond) since its inception in 2000. Take a look at the current holdings of the portfolio here.

Every year, the class prepares a formal portfolio review to present to the University of Arizona Foundation. A copy of the most recent portfolio review book is available here.

Class Structure

Unlike other student-managed portfolios across the country, lectures are given every week to outline important issues in investing. Topics covered in class include: long term performance of asset classes, CFA standards of conduct, legal matters, various accounting topics, discounted cash flow valuation and investing styles, among other things.

To constantly monitor each of the S&P 500 sectors, the class is split up into groups. Each group monitors two sectors and is led by a graduate student.

Weekly Reviews

Every week the student groups present Fixed Income and Economic Reviews. These detail the week's events that impact both the stock and bond markets.

Soon to come:

• Investment Newsletter
• Recent Class Decisions/Discussions
• Student Resume Book

To make this program successful, the department has a number of critical needs. Donations of equiptment, time and money will help in meeting the continued demands of a successsful program.

For more information, pleaese contact Don Seeley or Dr. Chris Lamoureux.