Portfolio Selection Portfolio analysis provides the input for the next phase in portfolio management, which is portfolio selection. The proper goal of portfolio construction is to generate a portfolio that provides the highest returns at a given level of risk. A portfolio having this characteristic is known as an efficient portfolio. The inputs from portfolio analysis can be used to identify the set of efficient portfolios. From this set of efficient portfolios the optimum portfolio has to be selected for investment. Harry Markowitz portfolio theory provides both the conceptual framework and analytical tools for determining the optimal portfolio in a disciplined and objective way. Portfolio Revision Once the portfolio is constructed, it undergoes changes due to changes in market prices and reassessment of companies. Portfolio revision means alteration of the composition of debt/equity instruments, shifting from the one industry to another industry, changing from one company to another company. Any Continue reading
Portfolio Management
Portfolio Revision Strategies in Investment Portfolio Management
Meaning of Portfolio Revision A portfolio is a mix of securities selected from a vast universe of securities. Two variables determine the composition of a portfolio; the first is the securities included in the portfolio and the second is the proportion of total funds invested in each security. Portfolio revision involves changing the existing mix of securities. This may be effected either by changing the securities currently included in the portfolio or by altering the proportion of funds invested in the securities. New securities may be added to the portfolio or some of the existing securities may be removed from the portfolio. Portfolio revision thus leads to purchases and sales of securities. The objective of portfolio revision is the same as the objective of portfolio selection, i.e. maximizing the return for a given level of risk or minimizing the risk for a given level of return. The ultimate aim of Continue reading
Portfolio Performance Evaluation in Investment Portfolio Management
Portfolio evaluating refers to the evaluation of the performance of the investment portfolio. It is essentially the process of comparing the return earned on a portfolio with the return earned on one or more other portfolio or on a benchmark portfolio. Portfolio performance evaluation essentially comprises of two functions, performance measurement and performance evaluation. Performance measurement is an accounting function which measures the return earned on a portfolio during the holding period or investment period. Performance evaluation, on the other hand, address such issues as whether the performance was superior or inferior, whether the performance was due to skill or luck etc. The ability of the investor depends upon the absorption of latest developments which occurred in the market. The ability of expectations if any, we must able to cope up with the wind immediately. Investment analysts continuously monitor and evaluate the result of the portfolio performance. The expert portfolio Continue reading
Basic Investment Objectives
Investing is a wide spread practice and many have made their fortunes in the process. The starting point in this process is to determine the characteristics of the various investments and then matching them with the individuals need and preferences. All personal investing is designed in order to achieve certain objectives. These objectives may be tangible such as buying a car, house etc. and intangible objectives such as social status, security etc. similarly; these objectives may be classified as financial or personal objectives. Financial objectives are safety, profitability, and liquidity. Personal or individual objectives may be related to personal characteristics of individuals such as family commitments, status, dependents, educational requirements, income, consumption and provision for retirement etc. The basic objectives of investment can be classified on the basis of the investors approach as follows: Short term high priority objectives: Investors have a high priority towards achieving certain objectives in a Continue reading
Approaches of Investment Portfolio Management
Different investors follow different approaches when they deal with portfolio investments. Four basic approaches of investment portfolio management are illustrated below, but there could be numerous variations. The Holy-Cow Approach: These investors typically buy but never sell. He treats his scrips like holy cows, which are never to be sold for slaughter. If you can consistently find and then confine yourself to buying only prized bulls, this holy cow approaches may pay well in the long run. The Pig-Farmer Approach: The pig-farmer on the other hand, knows that pigs are meant for slaughter. Similarly, an investor adopting this approach buys and sells shares as fast as pigs are growth and slaughtered. Pigs become pork and equity become hard cash. The Rice-Miller Approach: The rice miller buys paddy feverishly in the market during the season, then mills, hoards and sells the rice slowly over an extended period depending on price movements. Continue reading
The Process of Diversification of Investment Portfolio
The process of diversification of investment portfolio has various phases involving investment into various classes of assets like equity shares, preference shares, money market instruments like commercial paper, inter-corporate investments, certificate of deposits etc. Within each class of assets, there is further possibility of diversification into various industries, different companies etc. The proportion of funds invested into various classes of assets, instruments, industries and companies would depend upon the objectives of investor, under portfolio management and his asset preferences, income and asset requirements. A portfolio with the objective of regular income would invest a proportion of funds in bonds, debentures and fixed deposits. For such investment, duration of the life of the bond/debenture, quality of the asset as judged by the credit rating and the expected yield are the relevant variables. Bond market is not well developed in India but debentures, partly or fully convertible into equity are in good Continue reading