Investments I: Fundamentals of Performance Evaluation

The University of Illinois connects portfolio formation with models used to explain and evaluate returns. CAPM, multifactor models and market efficiency lead into firm valuation. It suits learners who want a quantitative foundation for discussing risk-adjusted performance and a clearer distinction between a model’s prediction, an observed return and the evidence used to assess the difference.

What you will learn

• Calculate portfolio risk and expected return.
• Explore CAPM and multifactor performance models.
• Compare market efficiency and firm-valuation approaches.

Who this suits

Intermediate learners ready for finance calculations and spreadsheet examples. Familiarity with basic statistics helps when interpreting model tests and performance evidence.

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.

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Put it into practice

Build a small fictional return table and calculate portfolio averages. Explain what a market-model comparison would add, then identify an assumption that could affect your interpretation of apparent outperformance.

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.

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