APM | Applied Portfolio Management
The Chaifetz School’s Applied Portfolio Management course (FIN 4630) gives upper-level finance students the opportunity to directly manage more than $3 million in University endowment funds. Students apply investment analysis and portfolio management principles to real investment decisions, gaining hands-on experience managing an actual portfolio.
Managing a Portfolio
APM students take an active role in managing the portfolio, conducting in-depth research on existing holdings as well as potential new investments. Students analyze companies and their industries, evaluate company financial performance and valuation, and develop written stock pitches with recommendations to buy, sell or retain individual stocks.
They present their research and recommendations to the class, where APM analysts discuss and evaluate the investment case before making portfolio decisions as a team. Students also monitor their assigned stocks and relevant market and industry developments throughout the course.
Learn More About the Student Experience in APM
Learning from Industry Mentors
APM students participate in FMC | Finance Mentoring & Coaching, an initiative of the Department of Finance that connects students with experienced finance professionals from the St. Louis area. Through one-to-one mentoring, students gain guidance and insights into current industry practices and reflect on their conversations, key takeaways and next steps through the FMC Reflection Journal (FMC-RJ).
APM Selection Process
APM (FIN 4630) requires completion of FIN 3330 or FIN 3630. Students interested in participating in APM complete an application during the spring semester for the following fall, with the application deadline typically the last day before spring break. The APM class is selected before fall registration begins, and selected students participate in a mandatory APM Kickoff on Study Day at the end of the spring semester.
Edward Jones Data Analytics Lab
APM students have access to the Edward Jones Data Analytics Lab, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with 12 Bloomberg terminals. Students use Bloomberg to access real-time global financial market data, conduct investment research, analyze companies and industries, and monitor markets in support of their portfolio decisions.