Comparative Analysis and Research of Investment Portfolio Management Models

Abstract

Portfolio management plays a significant role in the world of finance and investing, offering benefits and contributions to both individual investors and institutions. Researchers use many mathematical models to make informed decisions about how to allocate and manage investments within a portfolio to optimize risk versus return trade-off based on the investors preference and constraints. This paper primarily employs the literature review methodology and comparative analysis methodology. Firstly, it collects, summarizes, and analyzes multiple papers on portfolio management models, including Markowiz Mean-Variance Model, Capital Market Line (CML), Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) and Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) with the origin of the models, their key assumptions, components, and applications. Additionally, this paper also utilizes comparative analysis by comparing the similarities, differences, and respective downsides and benefits of the four main research models. Through this comparison, the paper investigates the relationships and application distinctions among the models. As a result, these models evolve and refine over time, with some building on others. CAPM extends the Markowitz Model by introducing the risk-free rate and market portfolio as benchmarks, simplifying the risk-return relationship, and introducing systematic risk. The Capital Market Line (CML), derived from CAPM, illustrates efficient portfolios made up of both market and risk-free assets and shows the risk-return trade-off. APT, a later model, can be seen as an extension of CAPM.