Michigan Tech Wins 2007 RISE Symposium

The Applied Portfolio Management Program's Gold Portfolio won the eigth annual RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) conference, the largest North American student investment conference. The APMP won the "value" category with the highest risk-adjusted return for 2007 in the undergraduate division at the national investment competition.

At this year's conference, the APMP reported a 2007 annual return of 12.6% with only a 1.6% standard deviation in monthly returns.

Representing the School of Business and Economics at RISE were senior memebers Korey Capello, Brad Harry, Mark Malekoff, Joel Pergolski, Lorn Randell, and Kartikeya Srivastava. Junior members Tony Hellenbrand and Kayla McCormick will return with next year's teams to defend a title captured in back to back years and three out of eight RISE Conferences. Associate Professor Dean Johnson is the Founding Director of the APMP.

APMP in the News

See the article written by Michigan Technological University.

Introduction

The Applied Portfolio Management Program provides the unique opportunity for senior students to manage an investment portfolio comprised of funds provided by the Michigan Tech Endowment fund as well as other generous donors. APMP was initiated in 1998 through generous contributions of alumni and friends of Michigan Technological University. APMP enjoys the gracious support of many firms, the University, The School of Business and Economics, and the School of Business and Economics National Advisory Board.

The Process

APMP annually selects up to twelve students with demonstrated aptitude and leadership skills in the area of Finance and Financial economic theory, to manage the portfolio over the next academic year. During the first month of the academic year, these students form an investment team, develop an investment philosophy and strategy, and prepare a presentation to the APMP Advisory Board.

After gaining approval, the students implement their strategy in the financial markets. Each student generates buy reports on securities for consideration by the investment team. Monthly accounting statements are also generated and distributed to the Advisory Board.

After the semester break the students will prepare and give a mid-year review to the Advisory Board. During this meeting, the students will present their performance to date, attribution, transactions to date, difficulties they have encountered, and all other pertinent information. Advisory Board members will provide constructive criticism and feedback. At the end of the Spring Semester, a year-end review will also be held for the Advisory Board. Again performance will be reviewed, but this meeting will also provide a forum for students to share their education experiences of the last year.

A final requirement of APMP is the completion of an Annual Report, including a research report on a current investment topic. Throughout this entire process, the student portfolio managers cultivate the academic and interpersonal skills necessary to become successful investment professionals. Participants also benefit greatly from their interaction with the business and investment community.