Course author
Hairo Senosain
Hairo is the author of Portfolio 140 and other courses in MCC's finance and quantitative methods series.
Quick Answer
Portfolio 140 is an in-person session on portfolio optimisation. It explains what a diversified portfolio is, sets out the notation and formulas of portfolio theory, and calculates the portfolio frontier for portfolios of 2 and 47 energy sector stocks. Sessions run at ADGM, Abu Dhabi, with limited places.
Key takeaways
- Combining assets in the right proportions can raise expected return for the same level of risk.
- The portfolio frontier shows the best return available for each level of risk.
- The course calculates the frontier step by step, first for 2 stocks and then for 47.
- The worked examples use energy sector stocks, so the theory is applied to real-world portfolios.
What will you be able to do after the course?
You will be able to calculate and read a portfolio frontier for yourself. The session is built around three outcomes.
- Use the notation and formulas. Work with the standard notation and formulas of portfolio theory.
- Construct frontiers. Build portfolio frontiers from energy sector stocks, for 2 stocks and for 47.
- Apply the theory. Use portfolio theory on real-world scenarios to improve returns and manage risk.
What does the course cover?
The session follows the published agenda, then works through the frontier calculations.
- Introductions: 16:00 UAE time
- What is a diversified portfolio?: the fundamentals of diversification
- Notation and formulas: the building blocks of portfolio theory, then frontier calculations for 2 and 47 stocks with illustrative examples
What do the key terms mean?
These are terms you will meet in the session, in plain English.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | The collection of investments an investor holds. |
| Diversification | Spreading investments across assets that do not all move together, to reduce the risk of the portfolio as a whole. |
| Portfolio weight | The share of the portfolio's value held in each asset. The weights add up to 100%. |
| Expected return | The average return an investment is expected to earn over a period. |
| Risk | How much an investment's returns vary, usually measured by volatility. |
| Portfolio frontier | The curve showing the best expected return available for each level of risk from a given set of assets. |
| Portfolio optimisation | Choosing the weights that give the best balance of expected return and risk. |
Who is the course for?
It suits anyone who builds, manages or reviews investment portfolios.
- Finance professionals and enthusiasts
- Portfolio managers
- Investors in the energy sector
- Financial analysts
- Decision makers in finance
- Anyone interested in portfolio optimisation
Which courses should you take first?
A grounding in statistics and matrices helps with the formulas. Portfolio 120, on Monte Carlo simulation, covers diversification and simulation, and Portfolio 140 then moves on to calculating the frontier.
- StatsStatistics and mathematical foundation
- MatrixMatrix Algebra 101
- 120Monte Carlo simulations
- This course
Browse every title on the MCC Economics courses page.
Why learn this from MCC Economics?
MCC Economics is an independent consultancy, founded in London in 2017, that provides economic and financial analysis to governments, regulators and businesses, including clients in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman. Its work includes financial modelling and financial strategy. Meet the team on the people page.
MCC Economics has helped us better understand the most important issues for our stakeholders, including: charges, shareholder returns, debt payments and inflation impacts.
Questions buyers ask before registering
Who teaches Portfolio 140?
See the instructor profiles near the top of this page for the current teaching team.
Where does the session take place?
At Cloud Spaces in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). If a meeting room at ADGM is not available, the session may be delivered on Microsoft Teams instead.
When are the next dates?
Portfolio 140 runs on multiple dates. The current dates and remaining places are shown on the Eventbrite listing.
What time does a session start?
The published session starts at 16:00 UAE time.
What is a portfolio frontier?
A portfolio frontier is the curve showing the best expected return you can get for each level of risk by combining a set of assets in different proportions. Portfolios on the frontier make the most of diversification.
Which data does the course use?
The examples build portfolios from energy sector stocks, first with 2 stocks and then with 47.
How large are the groups?
Places are limited so there is time for in-depth learning and questions.
Can my team attend together?
Contact MCC Economics through the consultation page to discuss places for a team or training tailored to your organisation.
Page last reviewed October 2026.
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