Investing in ‘New Economy’ explored

Experts from five major investment firms will offer advice and ideas on investing in the new economy at an investment symposium on campus Friday, Nov 10.

The free symposium runs 2-5 p.m. at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave.

The student-run Graduate Finance Organization at the School of Business organized the event. Panelists will offer analysis and investment advice on an economy marked by uncertainly and radical change as well as unparalleled risks and opportunities.

Moderating the panel is Russell Kinnel, director of fund analysis for Morningstar, a provider of financial services to investment professionals worldwide. Panel members, drawn from diverse investment organizations, are:

• Phill Gross, manager of retail and health care sectors for Harvard Capital Management, Boston, Mass.
• Dave Nicholas, portfolio manager for the Nicholas Fund, Nicholas II, and the Nicholas Limited Edition funds in Milwaukee.
• John Nelson, director of domestic small cap portfolio for the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
• John Rickmeier, founder of IDC Portfolio Management, Hartland, Wis., a firm that provides consulting services to financial institutions.
• John Wakeman, vice president and analyst for T. Rowe Price, Baltimore, Md.

Gross, Kinnel, Nicholas and Wakeman are alumni of Wisconsin’s Applied Security Analysis Program, a program for training investment analysts that was the first university program in the nation to offer students the opportunity to manage real-money portfolios. ASAP students manage an equity portfolio of $2 million and a fixed-income portfolio of approximately $10 million.

Panelists will address two main points: “Do we really have a new economy?” and “What do equity managers need to do to succeed in this environment?”

The panel will be followed by breakout sessions with individual presenters and an informal reception. Seating capacity is limited.

For additional information or to reserve a place, contact co presidents of the Graduate Finance Organization, Laton Spahr, (608) 265-3996, or Danny Nicholas, (608) 345-9171.