Risk-Return Relationship and Portfolio Management

This book covers all aspects of modern finance relating to portfolio theory and risk–return relationship, offering a comprehensive guide to the importance, measurement and application of the risk–return hypothesis in portfolio management. It is divided into five parts: Part I discusses the valuation of capital assets and presents various techniques and models used in this context. Part II then addresses market efficiency and capital market models, particularly focusing on measuring market efficiency, which is a crucial factor in making correct investment decisions. It also analyzes the major capital market models like CAPM and APT to determine to what extent they are suitable for use in developing economies. Part III highlights the significance of risk–return analysis as a prerequisite for investment decisions, while Part IV examines the selection and performance appraisals of portfolios against the backdrop of the risk–return relationship. It also examines new tools such as the value-at-risk application for mutual funds and the applications of the price-to-earnings ratio in portfolio performance measurement. Lastly, Part V explores contemporary issues in finance, including the relevance of Islamic finance in the increasingly volatile global financial system.

“This book will provide clarity and direction to the investors and policy-makers alike in making sound decisions. It will be also useful for students and teachers of financial mathematics in business schools and other economic departments.” (Yuliya S. Mishura, zbMATH 1442.91001, 2020)

Prof. Raj S Dhankar, a thought leader and institution builder, is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Higher Education at Appejay Education Society, New Delhi. He is also a Professor of Finance and former Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi, India. In the course of his career, he has held various administrative positions like the Vice-Chancellor, Amity University, Raipur; Vice-Chancellor, Ansal University, Gurgaon; Vice-Chancellor, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana; and Director of the Centre for Canadian Studies, University of Delhi.

Holding a Ph.D. (1983) and Post-Doctoral Studies degree (PDS) (1987) in Finance, Prof. Dhankar has been actively involved in teaching, research, training and consultancy in the field of finance since 1977. He received a Commonwealth Scholarship for a Ph.D. program in the UK and Post-Doctoral Studies (PDS) Scholarship for the USA from the Government of India. Prof. Dhankar receivedhis PDS in Finance from the John Anderson Graduate School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA in 1987, and has taught at several international universities including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), and Lakehead University, Canada. He has completed several major research projects with financial assistance from national and international agencies. He has six books to his credit, and has published over one hundred research papers in major national and international journals.

Prof. Dhankar serves on the governing bodies/councils of various educational institutions, and as a Director & Trustee on the boards of several public and private sector organizations. He is a member of various committees in the Central and State Governments. In recognition of his contributions to the welfare of society and institution building, he has been honored with several awards, including Best Vice-Chancellor of the Year in 2016 and the “Haryana Ratan” award.