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Alternative Investments as We Age: Dive into Your Portfolio

Alternative Investments as We Age: Dive into Your Portfolio

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Dr. Craig Lemoine

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn the basics of asset allocation, investment risks, and returns, and explore various asset classes.
Understand portfolio diversification, risk preferences, and how to construct efficient frontiers.
Discover the role of alternative investments, including farmland, real estate, and cryptocurrency, in enhancing portfolio performance.
Discuss the costs, liquidity preferences, and regulatory constraints associated with alternative investments.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course delves into the world of alternative investments, focusing on how they can be integrated into portfolios as we age. It covers the fundamentals of asset allocation, investment risks, and returns, and explores the dynamics of portfolio diversification. You'll learn about various alternative investments, including farmland, real estate, and cryptocurrency, and understand their role in enhancing portfolio performance. The course also addresses the complexities and considerations of investing in alternatives, such as costs, liquidity, and regulatory constraints. Through practical case studies and modeling exercises, you'll gain hands-on experience in building and managing a diversified investment portfolio.

This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the graduate-level certificate, "Land, Agriculture, and Alternative Investing," which can be stacked toward a master's degree. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online at acesonline.illinois.edu.

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, dive into the basics of asset allocation and investment fundamentals. You'll explore various asset classes, understand different types of returns, and learn about portfolio risks such as beta and standard deviation. The module also covers alternative investments and their role in diversification, providing you with a solid foundation in investment principles to make informed decisions about your portfolio.

What's included

14 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

14 videosTotal 45 minutes

Course Overview1 minute
Meet Your Instructor | Craig Lemoine2 minutes
Module 1 | Overview 1 minute
Asset Classes, You Can’t Pick a Winning Horse4 minutes
Arithmetic Mean2 minutes
Geometric Mean5 minutes
Dollar Weighted Returns6 minutes
Introduction to Alternative Investments and Diversification2 minutes
Investing in Farmland as an Alternative Asset6 minutes
Hedge Funds vs. Direct Ownership of Alternative Assets5 minutes
The Role of Alternative Investments, Specifically Farmland, in a Portfolio3 minutes
How Individual Investors Can Access Farmland as an Alternative Investment3 minutes
High-Net-Worth Investors and Private Equity in Farmland4 minutes
Module 1 | Wrap-up1 minute

5 readingsTotal 50 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Learn More About Flexible Pathways10 minutes
Updating Your Profile10 minutes
The Concept of Risk in Portfolio Theory10 minutes
CAPM Model and Optimal Risky Portfolio10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Orientation Quiz30 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates10 minutes

This module delves into the dynamics of portfolio construction and risk preferences. You'll learn how to demonstrate risk and return outcomes with a two-asset portfolio, build an efficient frontier with a multi-asset portfolio, and understand the concept of indifference curves in portfolio choices. The role of alternative investments in portfolios will also be discussed, enabling you to construct and manage a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk preferences and financial goals.

What's included

12 videos2 readings1 assignment

12 videosTotal 57 minutes

Module 2 | Overview 2 minutes
Risk Management Fundamentals6 minutes
Beta3 minutes
Standard Deviation7 minutes
The Magic of Diversification8 minutes
Basics of Correlation6 minutes
Graphing Risk: Indifference Curves7 minutes
Expanding the Portfolio Universe4 minutes
The Role of Alternative Investments in a Portfolio6 minutes
How Private Equity Works and Its Role in Alternative Investments2 minutes
Liquidity Constraints and Alternative Investments4 minutes
Module 2 | Wrap-Up1 minute

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Portfolio Optimization: Indifference Curve Approach10 minutes
Chapter III of "An Introduction to Investment Theory"10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

This module focuses on modeling portfolios and asset allocation outcomes using the Nitrogen risk management tool. You'll explore the role of crypto and blockchain in portfolios, understand long-term farmland investing, and engage in a case study to apply your knowledge. This module equips you with advanced tools and strategies to enhance your portfolio with alternative investments.

What's included

12 videos3 readings1 assignment

12 videosTotal 44 minutes

Module 3 | Overview 1 minute
Understanding 60/40 Portfolio Characteristics Using Nitrogen4 minutes
Beyond 60/40; Bringing It All Together5 minutes
The Role of Crypto in a Portfolio 6 minutes
Blockchain Technology and Its Financial Applications6 minutes
Addressing Concerns About Bitcoin and Regulatory Issues7 minutes
The "Doctor Convo" – Understanding Long-Term Farmland Investing6 minutes
The Role of Farm Management for Non-Farmer Investors2 minutes
Designing a Comfortable Retirement: Lucy's Financial Journey2 minutes
Building a Balanced Portfolio: Lucy's Investment Preferences2 minutes
Achieving Retirement Goals: Tailoring Lucy's Financial Plan1 minute
Module 3 | Wrap-Up1 minute

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Modeling Asset Allocations and a New Portfolio Performance Score10 minutes
Lucy's Financial Snapshot10 minutes
Lucy's Porfolio10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

In this module, you will explore the costs, liquidity preferences, and regulatory constraints of alternative investments. You'll revisit accredited investor rules, create a diversified portfolio, and compare it to traditional holdings. This module helps you navigate the complexities of alternative investments. After this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!

What's included

11 videos4 readings2 assignments

11 videosTotal 29 minutes

Module 4 | Overview2 minutes
Investing in alternatives – Speed Bumps and Considerations5 minutes
The Difference Between Land and Securities Markets3 minutes
How Large Investors (Pension Funds) vs. Family Offices Approach Land Investment2 minutes
How to Get Started in Farmland Investing as a Younger Investor 5 minutes
Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell Farmland? 1 minute
The Institutional vs. Family Office Approach to Farmland 3 minutes
ESG, Sustainable Practices, and Farmland Productivity 4 minutes
Module 4 | Wrap-Up1 minute
Course Wrap-up1 minute
Graduate-Level Learning: Deepening Your Expertise2 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Systematic Liquid Alternatives10 minutes
Congratulations!10 minutes
Stack Your Course Certificate toward Graduate Coursework10 minutes
Getting Your Course Certificate10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 150 minutes

Module 4 | Knowledge Check30 minutes
Final Assessment120 minutes

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Instructor

Dr. Craig Lemoine

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

13 Courses12,090 learners

Offered by

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.