Investments II: Lessons and Applications for Investors

The University of Illinois moves from return models to the decisions and outcomes of individual investors, pension participants and fund managers. Taxes, behavior and mutual-fund performance add practical context. It suits learners who want to examine why an apparently attractive strategy may look different after costs, decision biases and the evidence for persistent outperformance are considered.

What you will learn

• Distinguish dividends, capital gains and return composition.
• Explore pension and individual-investor decisions.
• Evaluate mutual-fund performance using risk models.

Who this suits

Intermediate learners with some investment foundations. The course reviews core concepts at the start and does not require completion of Investments I before enrollment.

Before you enroll

Check the mathematical preparation and spreadsheet work before enrolling. Market examples, tax treatments and regulations belong to particular dates and jurisdictions. Use fictional portfolios to test a method and record its assumptions, costs and limitations; a course completion certificate does not establish investment performance or professional authorization.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Compare two fictional funds using the same period and risk assumptions. Separate gross returns from fees, identify a behavioral trap in selecting a fund and state what further evidence would be needed.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

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