About the new asset and portfolio management content on the LPM syllabus

We just released our first batch of brand new detailed study manual content and video lessons for the LPM syllabus. We are focusing on Section E first, which contains all-new material related to asset and portfolio management. Please see the study schedule and also the first video in the Introduction section for more details on the release schedule and rationale for starting with Section E.

The asset and portfolio management readings represent a significant and interesting change to the syllabus compared to the previous LP syllabus. This portion of the syllabus is mainly composed of two textbooks: Managing Investment Portfolios (MIP) and the Handbook of Fixed Income Securities (HFIS). I think it’s helpful to have both books handy as you study the syllabus, and HFIS in particular is a favorite of mind. It is extremely well written and likely already on the shelf at many large companies. 

Both MIP and HFIS have been on and off various FSA syllabi for the last two decades, and we have covered them in depth for a while. So even though they are new to LPM, they are not new to us as an exam prep company. Even so, I have personally developed entirely new and comprehensive lessons tailored to an ILA context, which I think is critical for studying these on LPM.

One unfortunate thing about the MIP book is that it contains an above-average number of typos, some of which are quite bad, especially in chapter 6. These typos will cause you to lose a lot of unnecessary study time if you are not aware of them. Even though there is no errata for the book online, we’ve created our own in the detailed study manual to help save you a lot of time. We’ve also invested a significant amount of time in the video lessons so that you will be assured of covering all critical concepts using correct formulas for the exam. 

Overall, I think the addition of the asset material is a very positive development for the exam, and I think many people will find this material interesting and engaging to study.