Book excerpt: Theoretical and corroborating empirical advancements in the area of investment and portfolio management are presented. Economic concepts and statistical tools needed for this course are reviewed.Fama's efficient market theory (EMT) of markets is discussed-where asset prices "fully reflect" all available information, are accurate signals for asset allocation, and stock prices are uncorrelated with the prior period's price change. Markowitz's modern portfolio theory and the relationship between risk and return are examined.Financial statements and the importance of free cash flow are stressed-for stock valuation and portfolio selection.