Beyond Stocks and Bonds: An Introduction to Alternative Investments.

Beyond Stocks and Bonds: An Introduction to Alternative Investments. The increasing popularity of nontraditional assets has given rise to innovative opportunities for investors. This course explores the function of alternative investments in the global economy, how they operate, and their role in personal finance. Emphasis will be placed on the major asset classes including commodities, hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. In addition, learners will be exposed to “emotional assets” that include art, numismatics and precious metals, musical instruments, sports memorabilia, and wine. Recent and emerging assets (e.g., socially-responsible and NFTs) will be introduced. Analysis of historical data is conducted to assess the performance of these assets over time and the correlation of valuations. The significance of authentication, condition reports, and third-party certification as a determinant of value is covered, as is the prevalence of asymmetric information and the risk of fraud.

Fall, Spring

035356