Portfolio Theory And Management

Portfolio management is an ongoing process of constructing portfolios that balances an investor's objectives with the portfolio manager's expectations about the future. This dynamic process provides the payoff for investors. Portfolio management evaluates individual assets or investments by their contribution to the risk and return of an investor's portfolio rather than in isolation.

This is called the portfolio perspective. Thus, by constructing a diversified portfolio, a portfolio manager can reduce risk for a given level of expected return, compared to investing in an individual asset or security. According to modern portfolio theory (MPT), investors who do not follow a portfolio perspective bear risk that is not rewarded with greater expected return.

Portfolio diversification works best when financial markets are operating normally compared to periods of market turmoil such as the 2007-2008 financial crisis. During periods of turmoil, correlations tend to increase thus reducing the benefits of diversification. Portfolio management today emerges as a dynamic process, which continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

The purpose of Portfolio Theory and Management is to take readers from the foundations of portfolio management with the contributions of financial pioneers up to the latest trends emerging within the context of special topics. The book includes discussions of portfolio theory and management both before and after the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

This volume provides a critical reflection of what worked and what did not work viewed from the perspective of the recent financial crisis. Further, the book is not restricted to the U.S. market but takes a more global focus by highlighting cross-country differences and practices. This 30-chapter book consists of seven sections.

These chapters are: (1) portfolio theory and asset pricing, (2) the investment policy statement and fiduciary duties, (3) asset allocation and portfolio construction, (4) risk management, (V) portfolio execution, monitoring, and rebalancing, (6) evaluating and reporting portfolio performance, and (7) special topics.

Review: Portfolio Theory and Management is a comprehensive survey of modern financial theory and practice. It contains thirty articles organized into seven general areas, written by authorities in their respective fields. It would be an excellent 'Readings' book for a course on modern finance, and an equally excellent source-book for professional academics and practitioners in the field. --Harry Markowitz, Rady School of Management, University of California Baker and Filbeck's Portfolio Theory and Management is an invaluable resource for investors, advanced students and professional scholars looking to advance their insight and understanding of modern portfolio management.

The book can be used in its entirety, or as a 'go-to' reference grouped into highly-focused, relevant chapters. I know my copy will remain readily accessible on my bookshelf for years to come! --Robert A. Weigand, PhD, Professor of Finance and Brenneman Professor of Business Strategy, Washburn University