Global Equity Fund
Maryland Smith’s Global Equity Fund is managed by 20 students in the school’s Flex MBA, Master of Finance, and Master of Quantitative Finance programs. The Global Fund was established in 2009 and invests primarily in common stocks of global companies based worldwide, and whose shares trade in the US.
This limited-enrollment fund gives students the opportunity to research companies and manage and invest money from the school’s endowment fund. The fund's goal is to outperform a global benchmark (80% MSCI All Country ex-US Index plus 20% US Total Market Index), although it’s equally important that each member learns the processes by which investment decisions are made in a professional asset-management setting.
In a course that meets once per week for an entire year, students gain unparalleled financial knowledge and skills, including asset management exposure, quantitative portfolio management experience, and financial modeling skills. They develop skills using and applying tools from Smith’s extensive suite of financial databases and information systems.
Participating students are assigned roles in operating the fund, either as portfolio managers or equity analysts specializing in a specific geographic region (e.g., Europe, Asia-Pacific) or industry (e.g., health care, consumer discretionary).
Member Selection
The Global Equity Fund will be selecting students from the Smith School’s Flex MBA, Master of Finance, and Master of Quantitative Finance programs with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students are expected to make a year-long commitment if selected to become a member of the GEF. Selection is based on analytical ability, knowledge of the capital markets, communication, leadership skills, and a significant interest in finance.
Download GEF Application Download Recruitment Presentation
Please note, the application, along with all supporting documents, are to be submitted to rhsmith-globalequityfund@umd.edu no later than March 9, 2024.
Educational and Career Benefits
As a member of the GEF, students will have the opportunity to research the full spectrum of companies around the world, analyze industries and economies, and will be responsible for managing the allocation and risks of a real portfolio. The GEF provides students an exposure to a real-life asset management environment and an opportunity to enhance financial modeling skills, which are attractive experiences to potential employers. It allows students to be a part of a group that discusses current events on a weekly basis.
Example Economic Overview Example DCF
Analyst Responsibilities
The analysts will evaluate and monitor sectors, track industry trends and current events, screen industry for potential buying opportunities, develop DCF and relative value models to value companies, make buy-hold-sell recommendations, and pitch investment ideas.
Contact Us
Please send questions to us via email at rhsmith-globalequityfund@umd.edu.