Topic: "Alternative Investment Classes and their Role in Investment Portfolios"

You are required to describe, with examples, a selection of seven (7) alternative investments which are generally available on capital and other markets, the expected / realized returns and risks of each, and to consider how they are used in constructing and hedging investment portfolios.

Details of the Assignment requirements, suggested points for detailed examination and penalties for late lodgment are in the Subject Outline.

You are required to complete this essay individually (no groups).

You should follow the following typing conventions:

- Times New Roman font (at minimum , 12 pitch)
- 1.5 line spacing
- Top, bottom, left and right margins to be at least 2.5 cms from the edge of the page; and
- A4 paper.

ANALYSIS. Discussion and understanding of seven types of alternative investments available on financial and other markets, along with a description of their main features, investment returns achieved and/or targeted, risks attaching to each selected alternative investment and an illustrative example of each type selected.

Component 2 - RESEARCH - EXTENT AND APPLICATION.

Discussion and detailed understanding of alternative investments in the investment portfolio construction and management process, including . reasons for investing in them. Extent of research and source referencing.

Component 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS / CONCLUSIONS.

Following the above analysis and application of your research, state any recommendations which emerge for investor portfolio managers and investors, and - separately - summarise your overall conclusions.

Component 4 PRESENTATION. Clear and concise expression, professional presentation, grammar, spelling and the use of graphs, tables and appropriate source referencing of material, charts, tables, etc.

The purpose of this Assignment is to test your initiative as advanced degree students, and your ability to discover information and apply this to portfolio management .

1. Component

Discussion and understanding of the various types of alternative investment classes available on financial and other markets, a description of their main features, investment returns achieved and / or targeted, risks of each type & an illustrative example of each type.

2. Component 2 - RESEARCH - EXTENT AND APPLICATION

Discussion and detailed understanding of the role of alternative investments in the portfolio construction and management process; reasons for investment in them; extent of research and referencing.

3. Component 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS / CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations for portfolio managers and investors, along with a separate section detailing a summary of your overall conclusions.

4. Component 4.- PRESENTATION

Is expression clear and concise? Any comments on professionalism of presentation, grammar, spelling, use of graphs and tables, and appropriateness of source referencing of report, charts, graphs, etc.